Xander Budnick Talks Survival, Outdoor Filmmaking, Getting Sober & the Value of Learning by Doing

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks a lot for tuning in everyone! Please let me know what you think of my podcast so far and share any guests that you’d like to see on the show. You can also get caught up on previous episodes of Baird Country through the playlist linked here: kzbin.info/aero/PLdWkde9gml__GpO_JouKEWl1UdckeYDeg&si=cxjfdqUMmg3tqYfs

[@williamsmith5610]

Jim great podcast as always. I think Ted, and if you can maybe more people from different seasons of Alone. Would be a great guest on your show.

[@kellycharlebois]

I do like your podcast. Is this new? Reminds me of MNR podcasts as of recent (similar backdrop).

[@jasonmcclennan6443]

Love the podcasts, feather in some of the lesser known people in your life ( grab an inspirational uncle... pull in nate Muskoka) any like minded individual will bring in a level of entertainment to benefit the followers ( kinda like meeting the new guy and stories at a campfire. )

[@suemoore1965]

❤❤ WHERE IS THE VIDEO THAT YOU WERE BOTH ON THE SAME TRIP??? ❤❤

[@CampWithMatt]

Just listened to this on Spotify, and wanted to say, Jim, please don't switch to single episodes for your longer adventures! I love the weekly videos from your larger adventures! I also totally appreciate the effort that goes in to making the footage visually different. I've noticed before that juatg making a cup of coffee in the morning can take you 5-10 different shots. That's a lot of getting up and moving the camera around. It's appreciated 💪

[@XanderBudnick]

Thanks for having me on my man! Its always a pleasure to hang out with the legendary Jim Baird!

[@erinhenry9750]

Yes thank you both for doing work you love. Keep adventuring ❤from Michigan

[@Olympia_Outdoors]

Thanks for sharing your story about getting sober. And good for you too. I have always watched Jim but I will be looking into your channel as you guys wrap up here.

[@mestresian]

@XanderBudnick highly recommend the Bonnet Plume!!!

[@janevalentine6391]

​@@Olympia_OutdoorsYou won't be sorry! Xander is a great personality and outdoor man.

[@dominikpanufnik8585]

Hey Xander. It was so cool to bump into you at your dads shop. I couldnt believe my eyes at first. I was so close to taking a loaner car. I've learned a lot of useful stuff from your channel. I appreciate you speaking about sobriety etc, i'm at 5.5 years now and no plans on going back. Congrats bro and keep it up.

[@Runningoncoffee05]

We love Xander! Congrats on the 3 year sobriety. This podcast in particular felt like 2 of our absolute favorites just shooting the breeze in the best way!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Much appreciated!

[@griffinnature]

Could you provide a time stamp of where he talks about this? Ty

[@raptures7748]

@@griffinnaturetrying to find the same 😅

[@griffinnature]

​@@raptures7748lmk if u find it

[@sharrongore373]

Thank you both for speaking about your challenges at school. My son had similar challenges, especially in elementary school- another creative, intelligent kid with a LD. He met a true mentor in high school- his tech teacher- who inspired him and encouraged him to think outside of the box. They keep in touch to this day. My son graduated highschool and college with great marks because his mentor showed him that he could excel in hands-on courses. My son now works as a broadcast tech- filming, editing, maintaining tech equipment for a cruise line- pretty good pay, free room & board, and a chance to see the world. He and you both are proof that, when you work hard at the things your're passionate about, and surround yourself with supportive, like minded people, you can accomplish ANYTHING! Thank you for all you do to inspire others.

[@patbeaudoin4237]

Jim its so nice to see you have all these awesome Canadian outdoorsman KZbinrs love Xander.Someone i would like to see on your podcast would be Brooke Whipple from Girl in the woods she is so inspirational & you know each other from Alone.🙂🇨🇦👍

[@suemoore1965]

❤️❤️ I love Xander. Have watched him for a long time. Only started watching Jim most recently. Looking forward to getting to know Jim and his family ❤❤

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Nice, thanks for checking out this podcast episode and I’m glad you’re liking my content too!

[@6030jdr]

Xander is the best channel on yt

[@xedstatemanx]

I am an eagle scout and lover of the outdoors! I love the conversation about where our love for outdoors starts in our youth. Building forts in the woods and reading the Hatchet series by Gary Paulsen instilled a love of the outdoors in a young me. Now as a grown adult with young kids starting cub scouts, I am so happy to have discovered Xander's videos which has reignited the outdoor love in me and is starting it for my kids!

[@williamsmith5610]

Jim and Xander first and foremost thank you both for all you guys do. You both are a huge inspiration to everyone that watches your videos and make us feel like we our a part of your adventures. So please keep up that great work. One thing I would love to see is a before and after trip that you guys talk to us what you all take on your trip. Gear down to food. Then after your trip talk about about your gear, food what you would change or not change.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks a good idea, thanks for the suggestion.

[@lewisvillalta2492]

Hello Jim and Xander two of my best favorite survival experiences individuals that a like very much

[@normarobertson3909]

Awesome Podcast! Two great guys sharing real life stories, worked hard and succeeded . A big congrats to Xander on three years sobriety 👍👍

[@charlottemiller3876]

I love Xanders channel, watching him cook his delicious camp food is the best! Love his passion and respect for the great outdoors and experiencing/learning from it from his viewpoint.

[@majordave4789]

You are a natural Jim. So down to earth and easy to relate to. Love your sense of humor. I love seeing my favorite youtubers teaming up. Are you familiar with Justin Barbour? He would be a great guest.

[@jimfromm3981]

Great segway Jim, "Are you serious?" I laughed out loud when Xander answered immediately with a straight face, "Yes, Sure."

[@Travelingenie]

My two favorites together!!Great informative, entertaining podcast. Thank you.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks a lot, I’m glad you’re liking it

[@sayamaybe0312]

You guys are awesome: I love you both and that you share your adventures. Your videos are like therapy for me. Thank you both for what you do. ❤❤

[@gl4989]

You're so kind for letting small youtubers on your show

[@Bikerbobber]

You're joking right? Over half a million subs for Xander.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Doesn’t he have like a kabillion more subs than me? Maybe he has a different way of measuring size. For example, I’m 6’5” while Xandar is 6’2” 😉

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Just throwing a bone to the little folks.

[@XanderBudnick]

6'3 :)@@JimBairdAdventurer

[@Jane_Friday]

I need to find time to watch this podcast, but already thank you both. You both brought hubby and me more into outdoors. We did mountaineering before, but my knees are too beat up and I thought I needed to give up outdoors, because I could not find a passion for the flat land. Through you both we got into hiking in the forrest, canoing and camping and found a new love for being outside.

[@MrPuukjeens]

Xander is just AWESOME!

[@mariakalsim]

Watching a conversation between 2 of my favorite youtubers was really cool, I enjoyed it! I have to say how much I love both of your channels: I'm a huge fan of spending time in nature and just being outdoors in general. I was involved in a really bad car accident in 2012 and as a result of that accident, I suddenly became unable to spend time outdoors for about 6 months of the year. Exposure to the sun, heat and humidity makes me really sick and can make me struggle for a few days after the fact in worst cases. Being unable to spend time outside, when I used to do that year round, really depressed me and made me really crave being able to get out there. I eventually had the idea of watching youtube videos of people doing hiking or canoe adventures and camping trips and it has really helped me fill that void in my life. When I watch your videos Jim and Xander, it really helps me feel like I'm almost able to join you out there, it helps to scratch that outdoor time itch when I can't actually be outside. I really enjoy watching your videos in the cooler part of the year too and I really just want to thank you both for putting such great content out there. I also really like that you both make efforts in raising awareness for nature conservation, addiction and/or mental health in general. You both rock and I appreciate your hard work!

[@redsunmorning1058]

Beautiful and TY both of you!!! ❤

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

You’re welcome!

[@collegedad8656]

Enjoy watching you both push different boundaries👍

[@louisepotier2784]

I saw Xander on @Lost Lakes and am now following his channel. He has a great sense of humor and so does Lost Lakes which I also follow. The mosquitoes of North Ontario; the size of baby hummingbirds. I had 10 on one knee right next to the blaze of a campfire. I flattened them out with my hand and 10 more came on. They were horrendous and on a mission to deplete me of my blood. Thank-you for your interviews. I enjoy them very much. 🙂

[@jannie690]

Jim, you are a good interviewer, a natural. Really enjoy your podcasts. You and Xander are kinesthetic learners - it’s a learning style where one has to move or experience in order to learn effectively. Then you see it in a book and go Yeah!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Much appreciated!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Honestly, I do learn well from written books and photos, illustrations when I am super into the subject matter. That’s basically how I taught myself whitewater paddling in my early 20s

[@terizumbusch8408]

So fun to get to hear your back story in greater detail.Than you've shared on your videos. You're the same age as my grandson.And hey this grandma loves you and i'm very proud of you. You keep pumping out the adventures and will keep watching. Blessings❤

[@erinhenry9750]

Xander luv ❤️ from Michigan

[@terizumbusch8408]

This has been a great discussion so far. So I'm a 70 four-year-old Grandma who likes to camp and has a camper conversion.I don't live in it, but I have it.And I love watching all different kinds of videos. Xander you're the first one I really started watching and I just have loved you as a person and as an outdoorsman, I think Jim came second and then.I started watching Jonathan and I just love watching you guys and you all do it differently and I have enjoyed every Different style. Sometimes I'm my fast forward through a part that I'm not all that interested in seeing again like a long Portage.Or something, but I just enjoyed watching you guys and whether they're long videos which I enjoy or whether they're episodes which I also enjoy.I'm just glad you're sharing your lives and your adventures with us. I pray for you guys, I subscribe to you guys and i'm so glad you're there to watch. God bless❤❤

[@MrFreeGman]

My two favourite youtubers in the same room talking about both their and my own passions in life. Gotta love it.

[@Coastal.Redwood.Homestead]

Really great podcasts Jim keep up the great work

[@fredbavre]

Really enjoy both of your content. The love for the outdoors is tangible, the skill is evident, and I especially dig the sense of humor.

[@terrahartling2977]

Love this between you Tori, Zander your content is incredible just love it. Thank you so much.

[@nmcaver6611]

Xander has had some of the best photography I've seen in this genre! The canoe floating over a pool of fish is the most calming video I can think of.

[@corriehendrickson604]

Xander is one of my favorites! I hope you have John from Lost Lakes on as well. Would love to see the three of you on a weekend canoe/fishing trip. Love your content. Tell Tori she rocks!

[@nicknchrist]

" I just like to point the boat downstream and just like pray." Got a chuckle out of that one.

[@humushumus2219]

The video Xander dropped of the canoe trip was very good. A real feelgood gem. You can tell he admire Jim and Ted.

[@marygordon3032]

Hey Jim, very interesting stuff that really keeps us on the edge of our seats. I’m always looking forward to watching great adventures. Thanks Jim and Xander! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👏👏👏🤩🤩🤩💯💯💯

[@gregsoto2679]

Two of my favourites. I love the way you kicked back and kind of let your vast experiences wind the way through so many levels of your lives and shared interests. A bit of Zen happening. There was that one brief moment when you 2 were comparing your different styles: X (what I call him) preference for short, tightly edited vs Jim’s multi day/multi day long trips. I appreciate the contrast. But those long Yukon trips remain etched in my mind. Seminal stuff. ❤

[@janasunnarborg8525]

So fun to listen to my two favorite back country, outdoor, canoe, camping youtubers shootin the breeze together! You both create documentary level content including history of the area, survival skills and show a true respect for the natural world.

[@francdejong]

I love asmr type style video’s also but if have to listen to people talking during their adventures it is definitely the both of you. Thanks guys🙏🏼

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

You’re very welcome

[@GaryEllington-dy8li]

Xander, you have an amazing wealth of knowledge over the years. Thanks for teaching us so much 😊

[@BKovac19]

Jim, I think you did a nice job explaining for some of the people who might post comments that are less than complementary(quite frankly I think they are just rude) with your grocery store blind person metaphor! You are a true gentleman!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Hanks very much! Hey, it works for me.

[@ryandeboer5346]

Hey Jim. At first I didn't think I would watch Baird Country and now I find it really interesting to watch and to listen to their stories. All your guests have been awesome, great conversation!! Thanks for doing it.

[@davemayers9342]

Hello gentlemen, my two favourite adventure hero's. Love this chat.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks!

[@Lifewithrow1]

I love xander. ❤

[@innerauthority]

As a fellow southern Ontario-er, I must say this content is soooo Canadian and I friggin love it. ❤

[@ellliwhite8773]

Hello family. Wow what a wonderful trip this was. I was terrified, watching these rapids, Jim of course, you're always on the front, being a revel. I was so afraid of watching all of you, and afraid as any mom, would be,.; When I saw him flip over, my heart just sank. Great job guys, stay safe, and be careful. The picture of Mama mouse and baby, were beautiful.

[@angrybird9925]

Wasn't sure if I'd like the podcast idea because I don't really listen to any. But I love it. Jim is my new inspiration to just get out more. Even for small day trips. Thanks Jim! I'm so glad I found your channels

[@HH-li5xl]

I love Xander ! I’m glad to have come across this video! Great interview !

[@kjames8299]

Nice to see your guests but you are still my favorite specialist.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Much appreciated!

[@34bf7hdbf]

Guys, what a delicious episode. You boys are my favourite 2 of 3 canoe adventure people. Bring John next time. Great banter. Balanced and lively discourse. You guys are a lovely watch and have your own individual artistic style. Good Ontario boys. Please go on more canoe together. Love the boys trips with the 2 sets of brothers. Man you guys are talking about negative stuff. I don’t know who would bother to write negative things. You both bring me such joy for your humanity and real demeanours in the videos that you do. I love how you both film the places you go. But it’s the way that you guys do it. Thank you.

[@ErinLogan-t4i]

I really enjoy watching Xander's videos. Beautiful country there in Canada... ❤❤

[@K4Scott]

WOW 😳! Jim I must say that I didn't think your podcast was a good idea but Holly shit you absolutely are knocking it outta the park. I just watched this and the one with Joe R. Back to back. Very interesting and you all are a great laugh. Grand slam on the pod cast just like your videos. FYI me and my family think it's really awesome what your doing with your kids. You can see it in Wesley's eyes that he love's it. Please tell Tori she's an amazing mother. Glad to see someone so down to earth doing so well. You have a beautiful family and looking forward to your next pod cast as well as your next adventure. Would really love to see you and Ted do a trip soon. I'm not a star struck kinda guy but you are one guy I would love to meet in person ( besides Eddie from Pearl Jam) ,I think that would be really cool to shake your hand. Been watching you since video 1..Your a KZbin star buddy 😜

[@tommilld6598]

Best pod cast yet. Always watch all new video s from both of you and can't wait for the next new one. You take us adventurers some of us can't do any more. Thanks from Tom in Vancouver.

[@SLDOutdoors]

@JimBairdAdventurer, awesome video! Loved it, my favorite youtubers!

[@thederpmeister8948]

This is almost too much awsomeness in one video!

[@ElementsWisdom]

What a wholesome interview! Love Xander and his adventures! 💚✌️

[@martymorissette]

Great episode boys! Really enjoyed it!

[@cedarcabinsociety]

Thanks Jim and Xander! Really looking forward to watching this one. Both of you guys were a huge inspiration to me in starting my outdoor channel. MASSIVE thank you for everything you’re doing and cheers from British Columbia 🤙🏻

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

That’s awesome to hear. I’ll have to check out your channel. Cedar Cabin Society is a sweet name.

[@cedarcabinsociety]

Thanks bud - I appreciate that. Glad you like the channel name!

[@NotSoEpicAdventurer]

Such a natural flow to your podcast, great guests too! I'd love to see Justin Barbour when he finishes his big trip! :)

[@adamcarbone2311]

I don't want to live on the moon - Ernie ultimate classic! 🤘

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

It’s a banger for sure

[@julienvelvet]

Well done Jim and Xander

[@cliffordwright342]

I’ve followed Xander since he started. Thanx Jim for having him on. Great content. I can relate to him. I’ve been sober for 15 years. He’s a real inspiration

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Nice, ya he’s a great filmmaker and loves the outdoors. Not easy to do what you’ve both done

[@suemoore1965]

Xander tends to always stay future positive meaning when all is said and done he finds positive things at the end. BTW I love Tori's channel.

[@nikomikaelkorhonen8702]

Thanks for this Jim. Love Xander's stuff!

[@Evan_Le5]

Love having these on during the work day. Thanks for making these!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Nice, thanks a lot for tuning in and glad you like them.

[@jonluongo7250]

You both really impress! Keep doing what you do….

[@tomdies7451]

My two favorite KZbinrs and I "met" Xander on one of Jim's group winter camping trips!! Awesome content!!

[@Erated78]

Thank you gentlemen - when you were talking about mosquitoes and black flies I remembered that price to pay is coming lol - you guys rock, cheers

[@wendyoutdoors2230]

Really enjoy your pod casts Jim. You do a very good job.

[@TheNorthwestWind]

As always, 2 of the best together - awesome stuff.

[@bettycopeland8357]

❤ living vicariously through you guys

[@jasonmcclennan6443]

always wondered where the cross over went from great fish fry to how can you kill that deer.... literally the same thing. End of the day I've been loving the podcasts. It's definitely a great next step

[@sid7088]

You'd have to be there to get it.

[@evatrivett6679]

Great conversation, I really enjoyed it. Keep it up Jim!!

[@rooster4429]

Looove this, thank you.

[@KC-ye6yn]

This was great, thanks for sh aring Jim and Xander

[@ndan3746]

Love you both! Great podcast

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Much appreciated

[@lost149ers5]

i found this late but at least im watching it now, hehe. i subscribed Xander channel like 5 months ago, its his goof made me hooked, i always play Xander vlogs in my sleep time inside my tent n always wake with his vlogs still playing, hahaha. im a solo nomad lving in indonesia, i love it when he mentioned Borneo but he more on the malaysia part, hehe. n yeah, Borneo has so much wild adventures places to offers but way so different with Papua, my home. im so welcome having Xander n You Jim to come visit, i can be your companion to keep you save from bad people (the rebelions) n im telling you that i also a hardcore more than Xander in a real wild nature. hahahaha this podcast spoiled me, now i know more about Xander, thanks Jim, been wondering so long but i missed this video somehow. i subscribed this now. sorry for my bad english.

[@marcodeijmann5064]

Really enjoyed this 😎👍😅; Live, Action, Role, Playing 😜

[@GaryEllington-p7b]

Xander Buddy, your favorite Wyomingite here Gary, I hope 🙏❤️ that you will receive this message. What I am sending you is VERY VERY good for you ☺️ these are 4 CHRISTIAN Ministers that you can listen to. John MacArthur, R. C. Sprol, Charles Spurgen, Billy Graham 😊❤❤❤😊

[@doneins]

Really enjoyed the podcast. Xander is my favorite outdoorsman on KZbin. Would like to see you talk with Bear Essentials.

[@NatureIntoAction]

Yeah good convo, insights, keep em flowing!

[@gregsoto2679]

I hope you’re going to have Jon on soon. Then I’ll have my top 3 covered! ❤

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Maybe I will!

[@bobbanker4830]

Great interview.

[@feff474]

What size canoes do you guys use? Typical weight? I stumbled onto you guys not even a week ago and I cannot stop watching both of your channels! I’m a career flight/SWAT medic and the job has taken its toll on me the last few years. Watching you both is calling my soul to the woods and waters deeper than my traditional hunting/fishing in the WNY area. Thanks for any advice

[@JuliaJulia007]

Excellent 👋

[@JasonIrwinTumblehome]

Excellent fellas!

[@WVWes]

Love this! love them Budnick boys!

[@cham3784]

2 legends 👏🏻

[@davidhuth5659]

Great conversation guys! I'm glad you touched on the hunting controversy. I'm always curious as to why people get upset about harvesting animals for food but no one cares about harvesting fish. What's the difference? As long as you are harvesting ethically and within the law it should be okay. The only people that can really comment about this are the vegans who are committed to using no animal products, but if you complain about hunting while chomping down a burger you have no room to talk. Keep up the great videos guys!

[@ryansiekert877]

I'm in my cubicle choking back laughter at you deleting footage off the Alone cam of your junk. Too funny lol.

[@kaet.r8281]

Dude 4 months later he has 150k more subscriber’s, hes gonna be a big survival youtuber in no time

[@Fungi884]

Xander🎉

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

He was a great guest

[@benreeves8541]

North must have been going crazy not being able to play with Xander during the podcast

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Haha, I think he held himself together alright.

[@nibayethic9417]

Great vid

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks

[@5ilasTheViru5]

Xander Budnick. I can't decide where to classify him. He's not even close to as smart as Jon from Lost Lakes, but he's got enough experience where i WANT to watch his videos & listen to his "knowledge".

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Classify him as an outdoorsman or a film maker?

[@arbdapeish]

Xander is a Wood Elf. Be careful of his guile 😂 loved the chat fellas’!

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

Xander? Pfft! Where's Jon? LOL Love Xander's content - catching bass on a lake, with just string and his hands... just fantastic. His visual storytelling is about the best of anyone on KZbin - though Chris Prouse's cinematography is pretty damn stellar. Some of the best content on KZbin is Xander and Jon tripping together. The Pukaskwa River to Lake Superior trip was outstanding entertainment. Surprised you and your brother haven't paddled the islands of Lake Superior - so much to explore. Or maybe you have, and I missed it. Though I never tire of your Yukon river trips. ...I can watch those over and over... Love these podcasts... Need Jon...and Careena, too...

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks a lot man. Ya, we’ve paddle the slate islands. I think I have an older vid from that trip up. I actually invited Jon on but he lives a good distance away.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

@@JimBairdAdventurer - Will definitely look back for the Superior Trip. Jon is so damn difficult. LOL

[@MONTANAMANOFFICIAL]

Careena is a joke!

[@marysanford7040]

I go hiking in the Congaree where there’s 1 billion mosquitoes and I have a handy-dandy mosquito net I wear over my head. Cost me less than two bucks. Mosquito spray is my friend too. I guess I’m a wuss😂

[@donthomas8724]

Excellent job Jim, par usual. Loved your analogy of the blind man bumping into you. It really made me think about Trump supporters in a different way!

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Thanks a lot, I like that you’ve taken it and are using it in other areas too. In general, I think the attitude helps.

[@Drew-Hill]

Hunting is a natural part of life. It shouldn’t be controversial.