Salish Wolf

About Salish Wolf

Inspired by the lone wolf Takaya who thrived for nearly a decade on a tiny archipelago in the Salish Sea, showing us even the most unlikely is possible. Season 1: Stories of extraordinary endeavors that capture the magic of the human spirit. Season 2: Based on Project Quiver, the incredible father-daughter journey around the globe to capture the art and lives of the world's finest bowyers, the torchbearers carrying on the legacy of primitive archery.

Publisher

Todd N. Howard

Category

leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Apr 2020

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

97 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   #97 Joe Giago on Project Quiver

   Joe Giago is skilled bowyer from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and an enrolled member the Oglala Sioux tribe. Joe began his bow-making journey over 15 years ago from the encouragement of an uncle and has been carving beautiful replica Native American bows every since. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Joe Giago. Episode Links: Project Quiver (/project-quiver) at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this episode, Joe Giago shares his deep knowledge of traditional bow making, the history of the bow in indigenous cultures, and the cultural significance of archery among the Plains tribes. Discover how ancient techniques, materials, and stories shape modern practices and cultural preservation. Show Notes: History of the bow in indigenous cultures Materials used in traditional bow making Cultural significance of archery among Plains tribes Techniques for harvesting and preparing wood Arrowhead types and their historical context Influence of horses on bow design and use Traditional and modern bow finishing methods Storytelling and art in bow decoration The role of archery in cultural identity and education Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and guest background 00:04 Joe Giago's journey into bow making 00:31 Historical origins of the bow in Plains tribes 01:42 The evolution of bow design with the introduction of the horse 05:09 The continued relationship with horses today 07:11 Ancient evidence of bows and arrowheads 09:57 The genesis of bow use: hunting, war, and culture 11:04 Influences from other cultures and origins of bow styles 17:49 Materials used in traditional bows: wood types and sourcing 19:17 Design variations: flat vs. D-shaped bows 24:25 Use of animal materials like horn and sinew 36:37 String making, repair, and maintenance 48:33 Finishing, decorating, and artwork on bows 54:57 The cultural importance of archery today 57:16 Teaching and passing down bow making skills 01:00:08 Impact of archery on family and community 01:04:55 Opportunities and cultural preservation through bow making

2. 

   24 Sept 2026

   #96 Holger Berty on Project Quiver

   Holger Berty has been a professional bowyer for nearly two decades. Based in Germany, he was introduced to bow carving by a friend. Holger's approach to bow making is eclectic, exploring various styles—from primitive bows to modern laminated designs. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Holger Berty. Episode Links: https://berty-bogenbau.de/index.html (https://berty-bogenbau.de/index.html) https://www.instagram.com/bogenbauberty/ (https://www.instagram.com/bogenbauberty/) https://www.youtube.com/@bogenbauberty (https://www.youtube.com/@bogenbauberty) Project Quiver (/project-quiver) at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Holger Berty shares his journey from woodworking and therapy to becoming a full-time bow maker, exploring traditional and modern bow building techniques, materials, and the meditative aspects of archery. Show Notes: Holger's background in woodworking and ergotherapy Transition to full-time bow making Differences between primitive and laminated bows Materials used in bow building, including sustainable options Design considerations for modern and traditional bows The role of archery in Holger’s life and therapy Tools and techniques for bow tillering and shaping Influence of cultural bow styles and history The importance of experience and trial-and-error in craftsmanship Inspiration from other bowyers and the global bow community Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Holger Berty and his background 02:01 Holger's journey from therapy to bow making 04:01 Differences between primitive and laminated bows 05:57 Materials and sustainability in bow building 09:00 Design elements of modern laminated bows 13:09 The role of archery in Holger’s life 16:53 Cultural influences and historical bow styles 21:07 Tools and techniques for bow shaping and tillering 25:57 The significance of wood selection and sourcing 29:53 Learning from other bowyers and continuous experimentation 34:54 The balance between craftsmanship and business 39:04 The spiritual and therapeutic aspects of bow making 43:59 Favorite woods and their performance in bows 49:58 Archery as a meditative and social activity 54:14 Future inspirations and community in bow making

3. 

   15 Sept 2026

   #95 Gerhard Wiesler on Project Quiver

   Gerhard Wiesler is a bowyer living on a 200-year-old farm near Weiz, Austria, where he has nut orchards of walnuts, chestnuts, and pecans. He is a prolific teacher, guiding hundreds of students yearly in the building of selfbows. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Gerhard Wiesler. Episode Links: https://www.meinbogen.at/ (https://www.meinbogen.at/) https://www.facebook.com/BogenbauGerhardWiesler (https://www.facebook.com/BogenbauGerhardWiesler) Project Quiver (/project-quiver) at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Gerhard Wiesler shares his journey into traditional bow making, the art of crafting self bows, and the cultural significance of archery and martial arts. Discover insights into the craftsmanship, experimentation, and traditions behind this timeless craft. Gerhard and Todd discuss the art of bow making, focusing on different woods, workshop processes, and the impact of forest management on bow making materials. Show Notes: Gerhard Wiesler's background and journey into bow making The process of crafting self bows from a single piece of wood Experimentation with different bow designs and woods The tradition and cultural significance of archery in Japan and Europe The role of workshops and teaching in Gerhard's craft Challenges of selling handmade bows within European consumer rights The influence of martial arts on archery practice and philosophy Innovative techniques like bamboo wedges and fire arrows U wood differences between Europe and Pacific Northwest Impact of forest management on bow wood quality Workshop process for building bows from selection to finishing Design considerations including bow length, draw weight, and aesthetics Material choices for handles, arrow shelves, and strings Chapters: 03:06 - The spontaneous round-the-world trip that changed everything 08:01 - Why the family chose to keep homeschooling during travel 11:19 - Mika Wolf and the Austrian bowmaking scene 13:47 - What counts as a professional bowyer 16:10 - Japanese dojo culture and slow apprenticeship 19:17 - Martial arts, archery, and embodied practice 21:04 - Rambo 2 and Gerhard’s explosive start in archery 22:28 - Making flaming arrows and archery fireworks 24:14 - From compound bows to self bows 25:13 - A failed first bow and the start of serious bowmaking 27:00 - Burning finished bows as a ritual 29:30 - Why Gerhard only builds self bows 31:45 - Consumer warranty issues for handcrafted bows in Europe 33:39 - Why workshops are better than custom commissions 35:26 - Experimenting with different bow woods and designs 36:22 - Performance, comfort, and the Yumi bow 41:19 - Bamboo backing and the Japanese rope-and-wedge method 42:20 - One-day and two-day workshop formats 45:08 - First bows made from Pacific yew 46:50 - Humidity problems in Costa Rica and switching materials 48:14 - Success with knotty yew staves 49:00 - European yew versus Pacific yew 52:22 - Yew as a demanding wood and workshop success rates 53:42 - Shipping staves and sourcing osage from the US 55:23 - Ash, black locust, and hickory for workshops 57:37 - Stave logistics and why he buys dried bow wood 61:13 - The Redwoods and the feeling of standing among giants 62:24 - How many workshops Gerhard teaches each year 63:08 - Where his students come from 66:47 - Walking through a full workshop from start to finish 68:02 - Manau as the wood used for horse bows 69:22 - Choosing bow wood by type and personality 70:58 - Horse bow dimensions and strong draw weights 74:27 - Choosing draw weight for beginners 77:19 - Women, men, and learning style differences in archery 79:52 - Bow length, performance, and tradeoffs 80:22 - Rough shaping with hand tools 84:31 - Handle shaping, 50 test shots, and checking limb balance 85:57 - Finish options: sanding, oiling, painting, and wraps 86:45 - Shelves, horse bows, and tradition 88:42 - Arrow passes and decorative inlays 89:30 - Strings, arrows, and cedar shaft preferences 91:45 - Gerhard’s informal success guarantee and free repeat workshops

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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