ASCEND by Ducks Unlimited

July 26, 2026

Living With Lyme Disease: What Every Hunter Needs to Know About Tick-Borne Illness

<p><strong>Learn how to recognize tick-borne illness symptoms, reduce your risk in the field, and advocate for your health if something feels wrong.<br></strong><br></p><p>Host Adrian Jessen sits down with hunter and outdoorswoman Laura Adele to share her life-changing experience with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the long-term impacts of tick-borne illness. What began as a turkey hunt in 2012 became a years-long medical journey involving misdiagnoses, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatment.</p><p>Laura shares the symptoms she wishes she had recognized sooner, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the prevention practices she never skips today. This conversation is a powerful reminder that every hunter, angler, and outdoor enthusiast should take tick exposure seriously.</p><p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p><ul><li>Common symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses</li><li>Why many people never remember the tick bite itself</li><li>What to do if you find a tick attached to your body</li><li>How Lyme disease can be misdiagnosed for years</li><li>Tick prevention strategies for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts</li><li>The reality of living with chronic Lyme disease</li><li>How Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal concerns affect outdoor recreation</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.<br>Join the Ascend Instagram community at <strong>@duascend </strong>and <a href="http://www.ducks.org/ascend">http://www.ducks.org/ascend</a>.</p> <br><p><strong>The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:</strong></p><p>Dry Pocket.<br>Visit <a href="http://www.drypocket.com">drypocket.com</a> and use promo code "ASCEND" for <strong>25% off</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>Bird Dig Whiskey.<br>Visit <a href="https://www.birddogwhiskey.com/">birddogwhiskey.com</a>. Enjoy Responsibly! </p><p><br><strong>Taurus Firearms</strong>.<br>Visit <a href="http://www.taurususa.com/">taurusUSA.com</a></p><p><strong>Oklahoma Joes.</strong><br>Visit <a href="http://www.oklahomajoes.com/">oklahomajoes.com</a> and use promo code "DUCKS10" for <strong>10% off</strong>.</p><p><strong>Springfield Armory.</strong><br>Visit <a href="https://www.springfield-armory.com/">springfield-armory.com</a></p>

July 12, 2026

Why More Women Than Ever Are Getting Into Hunting

<p><strong>Discover how women are entering hunting and shooting sports faster than ever—and where to find the support to get started.<br></strong><br></p><p>Host Bethany Beathard sits down with Taniya Bethke, Director of Operations for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, to discuss the growth of women in hunting, mentorship opportunities, and the programs helping newcomers feel confident in the outdoors. </p><p>From adult-onset hunters and first-time firearm owners to mentorship networks and state-led programs, Taniya shares what’s driving participation growth and why social support may be the single most important factor in helping women stay involved. The conversation also explores representation, inclusion, family participation, and how outdoor organizations are adapting to meet the needs of modern audiences.</p><p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p><ul><li>Why women are one of the fastest-growing segments in hunting</li><li>How mentorship programs help new hunters succeed</li><li>What R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) means</li><li>Why social support matters more than gear or experience</li><li>How state agencies and organizations help people get started</li><li>The connection between food sourcing, conservation, and hunting</li><li>Where to find programs and resources near you</li></ul><p><br>Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.<br>Join the Ascend Instagram community at <strong>@duascend </strong>and <a href="http://www.ducks.org/ascend">http://www.ducks.org/ascend</a>.</p> <br><p><strong>The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:</strong></p><p>Dry Pocket.<br>Visit <a href="http://www.drypocket.com">drypocket.com</a> and use promo code "ASCEND" for <strong>25% off</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>Bird Dig Whiskey.<br>Visit <a href="https://www.birddogwhiskey.com/">birddogwhiskey.com</a>. Enjoy Responsibly! </p><p><br><strong>Taurus Firearms</strong>.<br>Visit <a href="http://www.taurususa.com/">taurusUSA.com</a></p><p><strong>Oklahoma Joes.</strong><br>Visit <a href="http://www.oklahomajoes.com/">oklahomajoes.com</a> and use promo code "DUCKS10" for <strong>10% off</strong>.</p><p><strong>Springfield Armory.</strong><br>Visit <a href="https://www.springfield-armory.com/">springfield-armory.com</a></p>

June 28, 2026

EP 22 - Adrian x Sisterhood of the hunt