Grizzly Cubs and Huckleberry Scones: Brad Orsted's Healing Journey
Episode Overview
Brad's journey through grief, addiction, and eventual healing in nature Reflections on reclusive and cat-centric lifestyle during the challenging period Significance of finding solace in the company of orphaned grizzly bear cubs Collaboration with Doug Peacock in documenting the orphans' story Message of hope, resilience, and seeking support for those in need
The loss of a child does terrible things to good people. Those years tracking and filming with Casey and even traveling to Africa for six weeks to film with him in Botswana taught me patience, dedication, resilience, being in the moment on the fly, and most importantly, self-reliance and to trust my instincts in tough situations. Under all of my trauma, my instincts were still good.
Imagine finding solace in the most unexpected places. For Brad Orsted, that place was amidst grizzly bear cubs and late-night baking sessions. In this episode of 'Take It Outside', Brad takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through his profound grief, addiction, and the eventual path to healing he discovered in the wild. After the devastating loss of his daughter Marley, Brad sought refuge in the wilderness of Yellowstone, where he worked as a wildlife photographer and filmmaker.
He candidly shares the paradoxical blend of sorrow and joy that marked his days, as he grappled with the overwhelming pain of his loss and the numbing grip of addiction. Brad's story is not just about the struggle but also about the small, unexpected moments of peace he found—like baking huckleberry scones or watching over orphaned grizzly bear cubs. His collaboration with Doug Peacock, a renowned figure in grizzly bear conservation, adds another layer to his narrative.
Together, they documented the lives of these orphaned cubs, an endeavor that held deep emotional significance for Brad. Through his raw and moving account, Brad offers a message of hope and resilience. He encourages those struggling with their own battles to seek help and support. This episode is a reminder that healing can come from the most unlikely sources and that even in our darkest times, there is a path to recovery.
Whether you're dealing with grief, addiction, or just need a bit of inspiration, Brad's journey might just be the story you need to hear.