Ep. 8 - Life Schooling w/ Dana Dykema

“I interview people with "misunderstood" lifestyles so we can educate people on the truth.”

In this episode, I sit down with Dana Dykema, a mom, teacher, and advocacy coordinator for Blood Origins Canada. We dive into Dana’s experiences raising teenagers, homeschooling, and navigating the public school system, while also exploring her journey into hunting, conservation, and self-sufficiency through regenerative farming.

Dana shares her insights on the evolving perceptions of hunting, the challenges faced by parents in today’s educational landscape, and the importance of advocacy in shaping the future of conservation. She also discusses her work with Blood Origins, highlighting the need for community engagement in wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices.

From personal hunting stories to the role of social media in shifting public narratives, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of education, family, and conservation. Don’t miss this conversation!

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thehorriblepeoplepod/ The Host | https://www.instagram.com/jenndvc/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jenndvc Online | https://whywehunt.ca/horriblepeoplepodcast/ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@jennmcdonald

Horrible People Podcast is all about getting to know people who are often misunderstood because of their lifestyle, beliefs, or interests. Whether it’s their job, religion, political views, hobbies, or way of life, guests share their experiences in a relaxed and open-minded conversation. The podcast explores common misconceptions and uncovers the truth about who they really are—breaking stereotypes one conversation at a time.

The audience for Horrible People Podcast includes curious thinkers, open-minded listeners, and those who have felt misunderstood or stereotyped. It appeals to people who enjoy hearing diverse perspectives, challenging misconceptions, and exploring different lifestyles, beliefs, and experiences through honest, respectful conversations.

 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dana  02:59 Family Dynamics and Parenting Challenges 05:57 Homeschooling Insights and Experiences 09:09 Navigating Public School Systems 12:02 The Importance of Self-Sufficiency and Food Sources 14:58 Hunting as a Family Activity 18:07 Regenerative Farming and Local Food Systems 21:01 Experiences in Hunting and Processing Game 23:56 Community Engagement in Hunting 27:00 Changing Perceptions of Hunting 29:57 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 31:26 Engaging with Advocacy and Conservation 39:26 The Role of Blood Origins in Conservation 46:49 Personal Experiences in Hunting and Education 58:17 Social Media and Community Engagement