Audio Transcript:

Biko Wright

Sam: [00:00:00] hello and welcome to episode 10 of the alone podcast. Before we get started with today's episode, I want to take another moment and read a review and comment from apple podcasts. This one comes from Wippa Snappa and whip a says, this podcast throws you right into the fire smoke and grit of the story of a loan contestants.

Sam: Sam scratches, every itch concerning who the people really are, their backstory and experience as a fountain of wisdom experience and raw emotion. Any fan of the show, whether diehard or casual will enjoy the knowledge and expertise shared by each participant. So sit back and let the smell of roasting trout.

Sam: Fill your senses. Well, whip a snapper. I think you said it better than I ever could have. So let's go ahead and sit back and let the smell of roasting trout fillers. As we listened to [00:01:00] episode 10 of the alone podcast. Okay. So here we are with episode 10 of the Alon podcast and tonight's guest is beco right.

Sam: Biko was obviously a participant on the most recent season of alone, season eight. Uh, so beco, welcome to the show and thanks for coming on. Hey, thanks for having me. Yeah. Super, super excited to have you here. Super excited that this is finally worked out, um, on the backside of this whole thing. I think beco lives in like the most disaster prone area on earth, which we might talk about as we get into the episode.

Sam: But, um, it basically sounds like from the time he was on Alone until like half an hour ago, his whole neighborhood is, is like a natural disaster war zone. So become glad we could finally make this work out and hopefully no fires, landslides, wind storms, ice storms. Or anything else happened for at least the [00:02:00] next hour fingers crossed?

Sam: Well, let's, uh, let's just jump in. If you wouldn't mind, just kind of taking a moment and welcome the dog to the podcast. Welcome Biko's puppy, Rottweiler, puppy, and twin babies. It's just too much. It's funny. We we've got, uh, like a six-year-old and a three-year-old and we got a puppy a little while ago. I mean, he's now he's, he's still a puppy, but he's older.

Sam: And the concept of having small children and a puppy at the same time, man, if I could redo things, I would redo that, that whole thing. All right. Biko, if you can just take a moment and kind of share who you are and your background and where you come from and we'll take it from there. Yeah. Um, so I'm beco I was on the last season of.

Biko Wright: Uh, it was an awesome adventure. And, um, I learned so [00:03:00] much about who I am and who I want to be in the future. So it, it was a all around amazing experience. You know, I started getting into, um, wilderness skills as a kid. Um, my dad would take us out fishing and hunting, camping, backpacking, that kind of stuff.

Biko Wright: And he was always into that stuff, uh, when he was a kid. And so he transferred that over to me and my brother started us young and, uh, I fell in love with it and, uh, just built on it as I got older. And, you know, as I got into adulthood, I started doing stuff myself and building on the skills I had learned as a kid, you know, and eventually I got to a point where I could actually apply for a loan.

Biko Wright: You know, I it's funny, uh, when I first applied, you know, I never thought in a million years I'd actually get on the [00:04:00] show. It was just kind of a, on a whim thing. And it was crazy that I made it on there, you know? Yeah. What was, what was that like? Um, you know, I've often thought about that. What was that like when you submit the application and I'm sure it's like inside.

Biko Wright: Yeah. I would love to be on the show, but you know, there's thousands of applicants and it gets narrowed down to 10 people. What are the chances? What is it like to get that phone call to say, Hey, do you want to come to, what is it like the tryout or whatever they end up doing, where they kind of start narrowing down their final field?

Biko Wright: What was that feeling like to get that call? And then to eventually be like, Biko you're on alone? Was it kind of like, oh no. What have I done? Or were you just super stoked? How did that feel? I think, uh, I, I was definitely more stoked, but I was also worried, you know, And I was like, man, what if I just go out there and fall right on my face.

Biko Wright: And everybody laughs at me and is like, why'd you do that, bud? [00:05:00] Well, I mean, I guess you did, you kind of did fall on your face at one point, right. Going up the hill. And I did. Yeah, I did. And then I found a clay in the earth, which I used to, uh, make my fireplace, so it worked out. Uh, so that's how that's funny.

Biko Wright: So you fell and just want to be very clear here because it took me a second. Uh, you did not find the person clay, uh, you found the, the dirt mud clay. No. Yes. I, I found the, uh, dirt mud clay and the side of a hill. Expert hunting clay. Yeah. Not, not that I, I don't know what's going on, but it took me a second to realize that we were not talking about clay.

Biko Wright: Wait a minute. I, I didn't know this aspect of alone. Um, where you and your partner, were you expecting when you started the application process or did that all [00:06:00] happen after you, you know, applied and had already started that ball rolling? Um, that happened after I had already applied and started that ball rolling.

Biko Wright: So it's funny. Cause it earlier in the, uh, the bootcamp or something, uh, we were talking about kids at one point and I was saying I hadn't had any kids yet. Cause like I just never felt that I was financially ready for it. And then like, I think like two months later it, cause it was a long process from when I applied to actually going out there.

Biko Wright: I think I applied it sometime in March or may or something. I think it was. And then boot bootcamp was sometime in June and then we got flown out in August. So yeah, it was sometime in the middle, but I remember when we found out it was twins was like literally two days before I was flying out or three days before twins is like one of [00:07:00] my biggest nightmares.

Biko Wright: I'm sure it's fantastic. But like terrifying here. We are thinking we're going to have our first kid, you know, and then all of a sudden, and I couldn't go to the ultrasound because, uh COVID so, um, She got back on was showing me a cell phone video of the ultrasound. And so it was a second surprise for me, you know, she didn't tell me.

Biko Wright: And then I was just like, whoa, he's just draw it, hit the floor, you know? And then I was like, oh crap. I better really try. Yeah. That kind of lights, an extra fire. Right. It's funny. Um, I'm just gonna put this out there. So anyone who is listening that has intentions of going on the show, it seems like a really good way to boost your stock is to just casually mentioned that you will be having a child sometime around the time while you're gone or soon after you would potentially be home.

Biko Wright: Um, I'm surprised at just [00:08:00] how, when you look at the relatively small number of participants, how many, like have these major life-changing events happening right around the time that they're out and coming home? Um, so anyways, sure. Fire away. Just go ahead and do that and you'll be. Yeah. That's absolutely true.

Biko Wright: Actually, funny to think about it. Yeah. But I've taught, well, people have had something going on while they were going. And, and I mean, I'm sure that if I would've done a better job of, of checking background, I would know the answer to this, but how long from the time you got home? So cause you got home and then, I mean, how many months did you have until your children were born?

Biko Wright: So I flew home December 12th. That's when I finally gone on a plane back to Oregon and a, the kids were born February 5th. They still came a month early. [00:09:00] So they were supposed to be March 5th and um, came February 5th. So yeah, I had like two months. Yeah, I guess, first of all, I'm assuming are they, they're doing all right with the little bit early.

Biko Wright: Oh, yeah. Yeah. Uh, thankfully they didn't need any in ICU or nothing. They, they were small when they came out, but they were healthy and doing good on their own. So it's good to hear. We've been nothing but blessed with, with, uh, that's fantastic. That's, uh, a huge stress, like a bigger stress than you can ever imagine.

Biko Wright: Um, and I, I can't imagine having twins and, and a little bit early and coming at the time that they did. So that's great that, that everything's going well, but I mean, for you, you know, I mean, obviously speaking to other people, it sounds like for a lot of people that transition home is pretty difficult and you kind of got thrown right in, right into the fire, you know, when you got home, [00:10:00] um, have you, have you had a chance to process yet?

Biko Wright: Are you still, still just trying to catch. I think, pardon me is, uh, still processing it. Sometimes it, it feels like it was all just a dream. You know what I mean? Like, yeah. I'm back in my kind of normal life these days and it, it almost feels like it was just like a dream I had and then I woke up and I was back to just normal life.

Biko Wright: You know, you wake up like, oh wait, no, I was dreaming, but that's a screaming child that just wants the other one up.

Biko Wright: Uh, I'll have like little flashbacks here and there to, to like a moment out there that was like, you know, something that stuck with me now. And there'll be like, I'll just like, remember this one moment and be like, oh, wow. Yeah, I was doing that last year. Do you have any examples of those that you can share that your mind has kind of.[00:11:00]

Biko Wright: I remember waking up and seeing the tarp roof flapping. Like I think I woke up because of loud roof flapping. Yeah. And then I remember just looking up at my rafters on the ceiling and, um, I had one, my main beam was connected to a live tree and then the other was on like a, you know, across two crossed, uh, logs there.

Biko Wright: And, uh, the whole beam was swaying with the wind because the tree up there was blowing in the wind. And so my entire roof beam and all the rafters were just squeaking and moving back and forth like this tree, but it was all like tied and wired together, you know? Yeah. So I've had like flashbacks to that moment of just like seeing the roof moving in with the.

Biko Wright: It was the tree. [00:12:00] That's a, that's an interesting thing to have your brain, I guess, to me, that seems like an interesting thing to have your, your brain and your subconscious kind of click back to, do you have any, I guess sense or idea of why that's one of those moments that kind of keeps coming back? Oh, um, I think it's part of it is just because of the sheer amount of time you spend just looking at the ceiling, like when you're in your shelter at night or, or, um, you know, when you're sitting in there, cause it's a blizzard out or, you know, there was a lot of time, I'm just like looking at the roof, thinking, you know, going over every thought you've ever had.

Biko Wright: It's crazy, man. That's just the amount of time you have to kill while you're out there. When you're not doing the things you need to do, you know, That's crazy. That's that's the first I ever heard it put that way is that you're thinking of every thought you've ever had, but that's, [00:13:00] I'm sure that that's pretty true.

Biko Wright: Um, when you were talking earlier, you were mentioning that you learned a lot about your, I guess your then current self, and I think it'll be about your past self and then the future self. Do you mind sharing some of those things that you learned about who you were at the time and, and who you wanted to become?

Biko Wright: Sure. Yeah. Um, you know, during my time out there, um, it was, I went through a lot of strengthening my self, you know, like I went into this challenge, um, expecting to get my ass kicked, you know, and, uh, and I did, but I gave it everything I had, you know, which was, I don't know if I've ever. It's given it, everything it had when any of the things I've done in life, you know?

Biko Wright: So it was like, um, [00:14:00] it was, it was kind of like eye opening, like, uh, oh, I can do this. You know, like I can do these things that I've always been held back to do, you know, or I've been afraid to do or take that first big step, you know, and here I am doing it. So, you know, stuff like that, where it just kind of makes you feel like you can take on other difficult tasks after going through something like that, you know?

Biko Wright: Yeah. Um, as you're talking about that, I'm thinking about myself and I'm sure other people are thinking about themselves as well as they're hearing you. You talk about that and I mean, did you, I mean, you obviously applied for the show, right? And, and you went through the steps and you did it, but you learned a lot about yourself and about how strong you really were.

Biko Wright: Um, were you expecting, I mean, did you, did you really think that you could do it or did you have these moments where, you know, now you're looking back, I'm like, wow, I'm a lot stronger than I ever thought I [00:15:00] was. Yeah. Um, I think going out there, I was thinking, man, if I, if I can make it a month, I'll be stoked.

Biko Wright: You know, that's, that's was my kind of thought process going out there. Um, so I really had no idea, you know, I've never had more than a week's time off to do any kind of outdoors stuff, you know, being, um, you know, uh, labor and stuff, you know, and construction crews, it's always, you know, you know, get paid long, paid vacations or anything like that.

Biko Wright: So, um, I really didn't know how long I could go out there cause I had never really had the chance to really test myself. So, um, Going out there, you know, I, I knew it was going to be hard. I had no idea the crazy regulations where you're going to be under though. You know, I never thought some of the stuff we had to abide by would be a thing [00:16:00] how you did a lot more difficult.

Biko Wright: It, it sounds like it it's another thing I never would have expected, but it sounds like a lot of those local rules and, and, you know, game laws that you have to abide by. Um, like it kind of is like a last minute. Oh, Hey, by the way. Uh, oh yeah, it was cause I mean, I mean, you know, I'm hearing stories from season two, right?

Biko Wright: Mike mentioned that from way back in season two of, you know, it's like almost launch day and they're like, oh, by the way, if it flies or does X, Y or Z it's off limits. Um, so how, how long before did you know that, you know, I guess for the people out there and you obviously understand them better than, than me, but there were quite a bit of restrictions and, and, you know, I mean, this isn't just a free for all right.

Biko Wright: You still have to follow local game laws and jurisdictions. I mean, there were regulations and restrictions on when you could use your gillnets. Um, what other restrictions did you guys have and how long before everything started? Did you [00:17:00] know that you are going to be kind of playing with that hand? Well, in the last, in the, um, last two weeks of orientation camp, you know, cause this year because of COVID, we had to go to Canada two weeks earlier and quarantine for two weeks and then we could start our orientation process.

Biko Wright: So it was another two weeks out onto the normal loan experience, you know? Um, and pretty much throughout the entire time we were up there and, uh, things were bouncing around on what we would be able to do or what we wouldn't be able to do, you know, and nothing was really clear and it was like, oh, there's all this here.

Biko Wright: But then. You know, the next report was old, but you can only have these few things, you know, like that kind of stuff. And it, it felt like it was like every other day there was a new, big, like kick in the shin. Gotcha. So I guess that makes sense. So it's, so it sounds, I mean, and you might not know [00:18:00] the backside of this we'll have to get, we'll have to get a producer on the show at some point, but yeah, so it sounds like maybe there's some, some bureaucracy and some government juggling happening where they're saying, Hey, we can, you know, we can adjust our, our typical, you know, the game commission is basically saying, Hey, we can adjust our typical rules to this, or we, we can't make that exception.

Biko Wright: And so probably the reason why it's last minute is because it's it's government. I work in, in government type rules and regulations, and a lot of that stuff, you don't know it until the day after it happened. So I guess that makes sense. Yeah. And, uh, this particular area is a complicated area because it's got the, uh, the Chilcotin title land is, is a part of it, but then there's parts of it that are BC parks, CNO.

Biko Wright: And then like, there's like three different factions up there that all have their own kind of say of certain things. And, and, um, [00:19:00] that particular lake had really strict fishing regulations, which is fine if you're, you know, out sport or fishing for the day. And you've got a tackle box full of Lewers and an artificial jigs and stuff.

Biko Wright: But I go to the lodge at night with a fire chef at the meal, you put someone out there with a stick pole and say, you can't use bait. It's kind of crappy, you know, put a bug on that hook. You got to make up. Wow. I, that that's one that I did not know. So there were even artificial flying her only restrictions on the lake so we can use, uh, any, any Bates, no live bay, no digging up worms or catching them and the flying bug, you know, which is all the stuff I normally do for that kind of a thing, you know?

Biko Wright: Um, and like louvers and jigs are kind of like a last resort thing for me. Like if I [00:20:00] can't find bait, that's what I'm going for. Yeah. It's like, Hey, can I swap out my, uh, gosh, my ax for a fly tying kit? Is that fine? If I heard go to that. Yeah. And then the barbless hook thing too. Doesn't help, you know, I, I lost way more fish than I ever learned.

Biko Wright: Well, that's, you know, I think that, and for people, I mean, again, you know, I think that's one of the criticisms people have, but, you know, there's, we live in a, in a modern society that has to make sure that we manage our, our fish and wildlife for sustainability and for the future and for, you know, for beacause twins and for my daughters to be able to have those things.

Biko Wright: And so, you know, we, we have to manage it, but, um, it's, I mean, it makes it super challenging and I, that's an added level of the mental aspect of things that I, I just had never pondered is that, you know, because of, again, a barbless restriction, I mean, for me, a lot of times when I fish on certain bodies [00:21:00] of water, I will pinch my Barb's just because I don't intend to keep the fish and I want it to be as easy as possible.

Biko Wright: I did the same thing if it's, if I'm doing and release fish. Yeah. You know, so I'll pinch barbs, but you, you definitely lose a lot of fish that way, which if that's what you're trying to do, it's actually kinda nice, you know, you let it get up and then it flops off and you don't have to touch it, you know, deal with it.

Biko Wright: But I can't, I just imagine that, you know, maybe after the, after a while that starts to get really old and really, really challenging then. And it's, you know, it's hard to keep tension on a, on a line without a pole, um, with, uh, you know, like with, with bait, you could see that they pull the line tight, you set the gray and then yeah.

Biko Wright: Hand line a man. But when you're trying to do a jig or a lure by hand, you know, it's a lot more, it's easy to miss those, those strikes, you know, and those hooks sets. Yeah. So I guess, I guess the takeaway is, is I am sure [00:22:00] that all 10 people who were on season eight of alone are fantastic Fisher people.

Biko Wright: Right. I'm sure. I'm sure you all are great at catching fish. Um, so just what you see on TV for all those who, who think you're terrible Fisher people, it's just, it's just challenging. Yeah. Yeah. I was a, that was definitely one of my biggest disappointments out there was how little fish I had, you know, um, I went out there expecting to eat fish every week.

Biko Wright: Uh, I catch a lot of fish back home and everywhere else I go. Yeah. It's, it's funny. It's a challenge that I've, I've never contemplated, but I think over the last several I've realized. I need to make my own LER from some old crusty pop can and like fencing, fencing, wire, and see what I can do. I, I, I think that's an experience I need to try at least once, and then I'll just open up my tackle box and, and get serious again.

Biko Wright: [00:23:00] Um, it's funny that the thing that had the most success for me was a fly me out of beard hair and, uh, and Eagle feathers. And it was like, I made this little tiny fly and like my beard hair all twisted up was like the insect legs and body. And then I had these little bits of white wings, the wing. That's funny, you should, uh, you should turn that into a thing.

Biko Wright: Right. And so instead of going and buying wooly buggers, people can buy Biko buggers fresh made with real, real. Yeah, I always got plenty of that. Uh, that that's funny. Um, that's, that's really funny actually. All right. So we've talked a little bit about alone and, and that experience, and, and I guess to circle back again, so you were talking about, um, you know, your future self and, and who you want to be and what you learned of, of who you want [00:24:00] to be from that show and that experience.

Biko Wright: Can you go into that and talk about your future self and who you hope to be based on what you learned out there? Yeah, well, um, some of the lessons I learned out there was, you know, just how much more important than I even thought, um, friends and family are, you know, and just, you know, realizing that when those resources aren't there and you're completely alone, how much tougher it is to process things, you know, and, uh, Basically like going through that, you know, you, you just get more thankful for, for your family and more thankful for everything.

Biko Wright: So I came out of there just, uh, with more gratitude for everything that I have in life and, and all the blessings that have come my way and my family's way and all the great friends I have and [00:25:00] stuff. And so like, it, it sort of just made me more appreciative of all that stuff that I already had that, you know, maybe I was taken for granted.

Biko Wright: Yeah. You know, this is the 10th, the 10th conversation I've had with a participant from the show. And, and that's a super common theme. I think that everyone has, has mentioned is that, you know, no matter where your relationships were when you left, um, you come back. Cherishing them even more. Right. And for me, it, it kind of makes me jealous if I'm honest.

Biko Wright: Um, I'm not jealous of, of much of the experience of the show to be Frank. Like I love to camp and do all that stuff, but, um, you know, I, going on the show isn't, isn't in my future, but that's something that I'm I'm, I'm envious of, I guess, is having that experience that forces you to [00:26:00] have that deeper sense of gratitude and that deeper sense of love and that deeper sense of appreciation.

Biko Wright: Because like, I don't know, it's just hard for me knowing that other people had this experience, that, and they now get to feel that way and I have to find a different way to get there. Um, yeah, it's a, it's a huge gift and, and a huge blessing. Obviously you earned every ounce of, of that gratitude and every ounce of that love.

Biko Wright: If there was a way that you could bottle that and impart on people, you, you go right ahead and sign me up first. Yeah. Yeah. That's what I call music, man. Well, that, uh, that was quite the transition point and I'm not gonna, I'm not going to let that go. Um, so we're gonna use that. So music was obviously huge, um, huge for you while you were out there on alone and, and it's obviously a huge part of your life.

Biko Wright: Um, let's, let's just go there. [00:27:00] Music. Yeah, man. Um, I've always loved music. My, uh, grandparents are blues musicians in new Orleans. Um, they still play in the French quarter and stuff like that. Obviously not with COVID are very old these days, but, um, yeah. Um, music's in my blood, you know, so it's always been a part of me ever since I was a little kid.

Biko Wright: Um, I've been doing something musical and, uh, you know, I wouldn't say I'm a master of anything, but, um, ended up leaning more towards singing as I got older, you know? And, um, I love to sing. I love to make songs. I played in a metal band and a pagan folk band. And, uh, I love it, man. Um, pretty much music and the wilderness are two of the things that make me the happiest.

Biko Wright: So I, I'm [00:28:00] trying to figure out a life where I can focus on those places, you know, um, singing in wilderness. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, can you talk about how about the experience with music on alone and what your music did for you while you were out there? Yeah. Yeah. Um, so yeah, I mean, I was singing all the time.

Biko Wright: It, it definitely helped me cope with the loneliness, um, jumping into song, you know, making myself laugh and all that stuff just helps you be more comfortable with being in an uncomfortable situation, you know? Um, which, you know, I love to do stuff like that. I love to be in the wilderness, but, um, at a certain point you're, you're sick of it, you know, you're ready to get out of there.

Biko Wright: Um, but yeah, the music was super [00:29:00] important for me because there were so many times where like I was just feeling down and, and singing some stupid song about whatever I was doing would cheer me up. There was times where I'd watched the footage back on my camera and just be like

Biko Wright: watching, watching the pre-show. Yeah, just, just out of boredom, you know? Yeah. Did you, I mean, did you sing yourself through things before the show or is that something that you picked up while you were out there? Um, that's, that's kind of something that's, I've always done. My, my friends always made fun of me for singing these ridiculous songs when we're out in the forest, camping and stuff, you know?

Biko Wright: And like, I'll just ad, lib, make stuff up like that, like I did on the show, you know? Yeah. And, um, so yeah, that's very much just this, just a me thing. So I [00:30:00] just carried over, you know, cause he can't hide your true self when you're out there, no matter what it's going to get on camera at some point. So

Biko Wright: that's an interesting, that's an interesting thought. Um, You know of how, how long it takes you to be like, all right, well, I guess, I guess this is legitimately how it's going to be some might as well stop worrying about how I'm presenting myself and just get on with it. Oh, for sure. And that, I think that's in everybody's mind when they're starting at the like, man, I don't want to look stupid or say something dumb or, you know, it's going to be in front of all these people, but at the end of the day, when you're out there and you're, it's just, you, you stop stopped giving a shit.

Biko Wright: Uh, that's funny. Um, so let's talk about your, your other bands as well. So you're playing in a, a, a metal band and a pagan folk band. Can you talk about, let's start with the metal band and [00:31:00] who is that band and how long have you been doing that for? Um, the band is Syrian and, um, it's a melodic death metal band that I've been playing with.

Biko Wright: Um, since I was about 19. Um, we were a different band back then and then kind of transitioned into the band than it is today. And, um, it's, you know, we've had an album in production hell for the last few years and we've been trying to get it out and it's supposed to be coming soon, but, um, I'm hoping that when that album drops, we can kick things up a notch because lately we've all gotten busy with our lives and we're all just kind of waiting on this album and it just seems to be in album purgatory and yeah.

Biko Wright: Is there anywhere that, is there anywhere people can confined your stuff now, do you have like a, a [00:32:00] YouTube or whatever? I know there's websites out there, but I'm not that cool. Is there any places where people can go if they want to hear beco frontline and your middle. Yeah. Um, we have, uh, our Facebook page and then we're on band camp and Spotify.

Biko Wright: And, um, I think we're on apple music too. Um, we had a whole YouTube channel with a bunch of stuff and like I swear, right when I was about to, you know, have the show drop, something happened with our YouTube channel and it got deleted and we lost all our views and all that. All of our content from like the last decade, you know, and now all that stuff's buried away and hard drives long forgotten and stuff.

Biko Wright: So it's like, this is just the worst timing for it, all the collapse, you know? Yeah. One of these days I'll get someone on who hopefully I get one of the people on that has, has a YouTube channel and a following there. And [00:33:00] I want to ask that question. I mean, man, that's gotta just be every night you go to bed.

Biko Wright: You're like, man, I hope I wake up with a YouTube channel because that happens to people. Right? It does. Yeah. And it's, I mean, it's inexcusable when you consider especially today, right? What YouTube means for so many people and their livelihoods. Oh, totally man. But that's, that's terrible that, I mean, you still have it, but the amount of work to go back and get all of that, all that content.

Biko Wright: But I think. Finally got some, a couple new videos made a new channel. Cause they were saying that there was no way to get it back, basically. Yeah. Well, well, we'll go ahead and link, um, your Facebook pages and other places people can find Syrian. And so let's talk about your pagan folk band and, and who is that and what do you guys do there?

Biko Wright: And then, um, there's going to be more questions coming from there and I'm sure. Yeah. Um, that is a project I've been working on since I've been in Oregon [00:34:00] with, um, one of the old members who was in Syrian. Um, our old Blake bass player is a good friend of mine for many years. And, uh, he lives up here by me and we started this other project.

Biko Wright: It's kind of the other half of the music we love, you know, um, we got the metal side and then love this other kind of like Irish folk and, and, um, Ritualistic music kind of like high lung and Wardruna, and then more like upbeat Irish, she folky stuff too, you know, with fiddles and flutes and that kind of stuff.

Biko Wright: So it's kind of a weird mix of, you know, it's got some like tribally drum songs and there's definitely metal influences in it, but, um, the band is called Angelos and, um, we're going to be releasing our first, uh, [00:35:00] EAP, this, I think this winter maybe, or maybe spring, but we recorded it this summer and, um, it's being mixed now.

Biko Wright: So first off I hear that EAP thing a lot and I've just been too lazy to Google it. And I'm I get from context that EAP is basically like a first release of something major for a band or something. What does that stand for? It stands for extended play, I think, unless I'm wrong, but I think that's what as for, oh, if you're wrong, we will find out people will let us know.

Biko Wright: Yeah. Google will let us know for sure. Cool. So that's coming and, and where can people find, find that band? Um, yeah, well, we have, um, a Facebook page and the Lowe's folk and then Instagram we're on there as well. [00:36:00] Um, Joey, my, my other, uh, band member, he runs all that stuff. So I'm not really, I think we have a Twitter too, but I'm not sure.

Biko Wright: Cool. Well, I'll find that in Lincolnwood it's E N D E L O S. Um, it's now we, we changed it to E N D a L. Okay, cool. Yeah. Well, we'll get that linked. And so people can go and find some stuff to listen to, because for me that sounds awesome. I, anything that's got like that Irish folk, you know, that's, that is super drawing to me.

Biko Wright: Yeah. Um, we do a lot of, um, covers of, you know, old Irish songs or, or, uh, sea shanties and, um, Irish rebel songs and stuff like that. That's cool. Well, I'm going to go, I'm going to go look that up as soon as we're done here. Um, can we talk about the pagan part? Cause that's, I'll be honest. That's a thing, you know, that's a concept for me, [00:37:00] obviously I'm, I've heard the term and, and understand, but can you kind of elaborate on that and teach me what that means to you?

Biko Wright: I guess. Yeah. Um, basically it's kind of like. Um, it means different things for all kinds of different people. You know, there's so many facets, you know, it's a really broad term, but basically it's kind of, um, in our sense, it's, um, like Norse mythology and, um, the gods and rituals around that kind of, um, spiritualistic belief system, you know, for some people it's, it's nature, you know, and, um, something in nature represents the stories or, or this symbol or that, you know, and, uh, it's definitely growing in popularity.

Biko Wright: It seems like, but, um, I kind of [00:38:00] started doing that like while I was still in high school and it just was, it was something that, you know, was really, uh, personal for me and stuff. And I kind of. Kept more private, but, um, yeah, it's, it's been weird to, you know, have that broadcast to everyone cause it's, you know, it's kind of just, uh, a touchy thing, I guess, you know, nation.

Biko Wright: No, and, and, and for me, like curiosity, right. And something that I've learned and, and obviously not being on, on your side of, of that, I don't understand what people think or what they, what their first thoughts are when, when you mentioned that or when they hear that, um, something that I've learned is that the more we get to know each other, man, the more we like each other, right?

Biko Wright: Like the, the better we understand each other and the better we understand who people are, the more we like each other. And, and so for me, it's curiosity [00:39:00] and wanting to learn and understand. Uh, so it's unfortunate that that things have to be touchy when they shouldn't be. Yeah, absolutely. I totally agree.

Biko Wright: Yeah. Can I, can I ask what drew you there when you were a younger guy? Um, I think it was the, the stories and the, the, uh, sagas and the mythology and, you know, I F I just found it all fascinating, you know, and, um, growing up, I was really into history and, um, mythology and stuff like that, of ancient civilizations.

Biko Wright: And that was something I, I picked up on and kind of resonated with me. And then I read more into it. And then I got into runes and, and, um, casting and, and worship the nature and all that. So. It was kind of something that like, you know, you dip a toe and [00:40:00] then you just climb all the way in. Yeah, I think for me, when I, you know, as I'm having these conversations and, and learning more, um, I resonate with the connection to nature, right.

Biko Wright: Um, the, the connection to nature and connection to the land in the world that we live in is, is huge to me because, you know, for me, I've got my own belief system, but, um, one of the places I feel most connected to, to anything is in nature, right. It's when I'm out there and you're, you're seeing the beauty and the power and the awe and you know, it, it puts you in your place and you understand that, you know, better now than you did two years ago, um, of how powerful.

Biko Wright: Of a power, you know, nature really is. And so for me that, you know, I really resonate with, with that because nature is, is really powerful for me.[00:41:00]

Biko Wright: Yeah. I think it's the same. Um, for a lot of the people who were involved in that, um, you know, nature is kind of a, a place of where they can feel all that stuff for sure. Yeah. Cool. Well, thank you for sharing and thank you for opening up opening up about that and your feelings there. Obviously, I recognize that that there's, you know, as you mentioned some sensitivities there, so I appreciate that.

Biko Wright: And thanks for sharing and helping us learn and grow, um, something that I wanted to touch on as well. And you kind of mentioned this earlier, when we were talking about family. And when you were talking about your preparation, I think I had read somewhere that your brother had come and was helping you kind of prepare for the mental aspect of alone.

Biko Wright: I hope I didn't get that wrong. Uh, was that online? Uh, my brother did come up for a visit at the same time while my dad was up here. [00:42:00] Um, my dad came up here and was training with me. He loves all this stuff and he loves alone. So he was super excited, but my brother has been always big on the mental stuff, you know, and my brother's a big wave surfer and snowball.

Biko Wright: Order and a realtor and he just, he loves these extreme sports where you can get buried in avalanches or sent to the bottom of the sea and surfing or whatever. Yeah. Yeah. Like he goes to the big, big wave spots, you know, and, um, it's good to, you know, have the, that mental fortitude for just doing that when things go wrong, you know?

Biko Wright: And so my brother's always been real big on that, you know, those, those couple minute long hold unders you know, when you get slammed by a 40 foot wave, um, you know, so he, he has some of that experience from that. [00:43:00] And, uh, he was kind of just rounding you to help you. Is that what you're getting at here?

Biko Wright: Yeah, I had under, yep. Um, so he was kind of, you know, teaching me just how to, um, Control your mind when you're in a tough situation or, or, you know, how to basically recover from something, you know, crappy happening and basically not let that be the end of it, you know, and kind of, um, like for example, you know, uh, I'll say it, grizzly bear charged me, but I survived.

Biko Wright: Right. I didn't get attacked. Um, ABA may ma made it out without a scratch, you know? Okay. That encounter sucked. Do I want to leave? Well, maybe, but it's also over now. So how do I recover from that? And start about my day again tomorrow, you [00:44:00] know? So it was kind of stuff like that, where it was, you know, stuff that might've made you go all screw this I'm out.

Biko Wright: Uh, we were able to be like, well, hold on. Well, yeah, that sucked. Let's just start over, you know? And so there was a lot of stuff like that where I'm not getting frustrated at things and, and basically, you know, throwing the tantrum and instead, calmly realizing that you just got to try something else, you know, calmly shooting the bear banger.

Biko Wright: And then preparing for another day. So many damn grizzly bears, man, man, I tell you what, uh, there is, well, there's two creatures in north America that I am like very, very respectful of and, and that I wouldn't really want to run into. And, and I'm in like the, the wild, wild, [00:45:00] uh, the first one is people. And then the second one is a grizzly bear.

Biko Wright: And I feel like sometime I just need to have that experience to, to get over it. Um, mountain lions, no big deal. Black bears. No big deal to me anyways. Yeah. Um, obviously they need to be respected, but yeah, people and grizzly bears. And so, um, Yeah, that would be a challenge for me. But what kind of stuff was your brother doing?

Biko Wright: What was it like talk sessions or what was he doing to help you train that mental aspect? Was it like visualization of, of all the things that could possibly go wrong and how to handle that? Or what were you guys doing? Yeah, it was kinda like, uh, visualizations and, and, um, affirmations, you know, he, he was big on those, you know, like the affirmations and saying, you're gonna, you're gonna do this or you're gonna stick to this, you know?

Biko Wright: And basically just, um, [00:46:00] it's kinda like the, the stuff that helped me push through, like, you know, the, the times where you want to give up and call it quits, you know, and, but really it's not for that great of a reason, you know? And then it's that kind of stuff, you know, where you had to talk yourself out of.

Biko Wright: And, um, I would think of, you know, that, but yeah, it was all like talking sessions and stuff, you know, it wasn't like, oh, I think he wanted me to do some yoga or something too, but I never ended up doing any of that. Like, you didn't do that prepping with him or he didn't do it on this show. Are you, we didn't do it on the shelf at all.

Biko Wright: I did. I did do it while preparing with them some, yeah, he was like, oh, just start your mornings like this. And I was like, we'll see, after a few missed meals, if I feel like getting up and doing yoga before going hunting and fishing, you know, I'm just going to put this out there. Beco, um, [00:47:00] right now, as people are listening, there are a lot of very sad and disappointed people, but we didn't get Biko yoga.

Biko Wright: Oh, I'm sure. Well, we'll we see some, some Biko yoga coming to your Instagram or Facebook anytime soon, pulley. Maybe I'll put some on my outdoor YouTube channel. There you go. That'll be your, your next business endeavors yoga with beco. Yeah, that that's funny. And so you said your dad as well, he came and he did kind of a crash course with you cause you mean your dad was, it, was he search and rescue is what he did correct.

Biko Wright: Or part of what he did? Yeah, he was, um, a Marine and then he was a sheriff for 32 years. Um, and the last, like, I think the last 10 years or so he was doing search and rescue and, and, um, heading the search and rescue team in Los Angeles. [00:48:00] Um, and yeah, he basically. You know, he's had a, a career of doing, um, militaristic stuff and outdoors stuff and, and, uh, he's a hunter and a fisherman and an outdoors man.

Biko Wright: So he basically just wanted to be a part of it, you know? Yeah. And, uh, helped me touch base on things that I was weaker at, you know? And, um, I would think that that's a shared experience that you'll both cherish forever and yeah, he said it was some of the best times he's had, since he's retired. Um, you know, we were going to the, the coast and climbing way out on, you know, the Rocky coastline and Oregon and fishing for rockfish with stick poles.

Biko Wright: And, you know, we're, we're catching stuff with stick poles and bade and, and [00:49:00] creeks and. Though Shannon lakes. And then we were doing archery and going and set and traps and, you know, working on all kinds of stuff like that. My dad loves to nerd out on gear. He was always, you know, he's helping me order gear for the show and stuff and doing all this research.

Biko Wright: So yeah, it was a, it was a fun bonding experience, the whole leading up to it. Yeah. That, that sounds like a really neat opportunity to, to have that time. How long did you guys spend doing that prep? Well, my dad was going to come for, uh, I think he said two or three weeks and they ended up staying. He parked a trailer in my driveway for two months.

Biko Wright: He stayed a lot longer than originally expected, but we were having fun. That's super cool. Yeah. That's, that's a neat opportunity. And when you were out there, I mean, did you think back on that time a [00:50:00] lot and did that help and give you strength? Definitely. Um, he stayed all the way until I, I flew out. He actually drove me to the airport, um, when I was leaving and, um, I thought it was super cool that, you know, I was able to spend all that time with him and, you know, he was obviously very proud, you know, And, uh, it was just a cool experience to go through and have him be a part of it.

Biko Wright: And, uh, you know, he was really worried for me when I was leaving, but I was, I was full of excitement and nervousness and stuff and, and yeah. And when I was out there and I think back on, on the training sessions with dad and some of it I'd be like, damn it, we should've done this change those barbs. Yeah.

Biko Wright: Should've got better socks. Damn it. Or like the, [00:51:00] the mouse mouse trapping, right? Oh yeah. God, I wish I was able to eat those mice. Yeah, it's funny. I, uh, you know, when I was prepping for the last episode, looking at some of the stuff that Kelly had done, um, I forgot that she'd made clothes hanger. That's right.

Biko Wright: I forgot that she made clothes hangers. I was thinking when I, when I watched that, I started thinking of your experience and I was like, huh, I think clothes, hangers should be like the first thing that anyone does, like build a shelter, make clothes, hangers. Um, that was brilliant. I actually had a clothes hanger, my shelter too, but it wasn't as cool.

Biko Wright: It was just a piece of snare wires strung across the shelter and I would hang things on it. So you didn't look like it came from, like, I don't even know. I'm trying to come up with a cute, fancy, like outdoor name. That's tied with some home goods store, but it didn't look like it [00:52:00] came from somewhere like that.

Biko Wright: No, no, none at all. My stuff was all very, uh, not pretty. It was, it was functional. You saw my shelter. I mean, I didn't even bother to cut the long logs off. Oh, he's just like, just leave it there. It's extra grizzly proofing. Hey, if, if we were like early seasons of alone, I'd be able to point it and say, and Biko saved 1000 calories by not doing that.

Biko Wright: So really that's the smart move. Right? So earlier we talked about your you're coming home and, and, you know, two months later you had twins and, and obviously, you know, it's well known, I guess, to those that are listening and to those that, that follow people that coming home is a challenge. Um, what was that transition like for you coming home and having to reintegrate and, you know, getting [00:53:00] back into a normal swing.

Biko Wright: And then I, I can't even imagine the stresses that, you know, the adding children into that would be, um, how was it coming home and, and how are you doing today? Um, yeah, it was, it was tough. For a long time, I'm just getting used to normal life again. And like, you know, when I first was a video chatting with Erin back home while I was still in the aftercare process, she had told me later, you know, when I had gotten home that she said I had the thousand yard stare.

Biko Wright: And like she said, uh, it looked like I had been award war or something. Like, I forget what she said, but she said like, my eyes, like didn't have the same light in them or something like it was that bad. Huh. She's just like, yeah. Like I just didn't know who was going to be coming home. Like you just something about you looked [00:54:00] totally different, you know?

Biko Wright: And, um, yeah, it was tough, you know, um, especially being, uh, you know, the runner up is, is also, you know, That's a, another thing, you know, it's like, so close almost, you know, almost was able to change my family's, uh, financial freedom, you know, but, uh, yeah, it, it, I think, you know, just the, the damage I did to my health from, uh, gaining weight for the show and then losing a bunch of weight and then gaining weight again, when I got back, it was just it's, it was rough on my body, you know?

Biko Wright: And, um, you know, when I got back, I felt weak, you know, I had lost so much muscle that I've been building up from years of construction and mountain stuff. And, [00:55:00] you know, I was like, it was super weird. Cause I was in this weird, like, you know, I had lost a ton of muscle. I lost a ton of fat. So it was like this weird to like, Middle ground.

Biko Wright: And, uh, it took a long time for me to like, feel strong again. And, you know, I had to work out for like a month and a half straight and kind of get back on my shit. And then I started doing construction again and, and, uh, it, it kind of felt like it didn't really have a lot of processing time. Like when I got back, I was kind of just

Biko Wright: trying to distract myself. It felt like, you know, from the, and like just put it off, not deal with it, not process it, you know? Yeah. Like it was like, when I got back, I was just like, I just, just want to eat some good food and drink some good beer. [00:56:00] It's like going to watch some movies, play some video games, like.

Biko Wright: I'm just going to chill for awhile. Like it took a little bit to be like, okay, I'm not going crazy anymore. Yeah. Is as you're talking. Um, and maybe the answer to this question is no, but I can imagine that, you know, middle of the night or whenever holding, uh, a screaming child or whatever, a sick child, um, that those moments would probably be moments that would kind of throw you back into that and kind of force you to, at least for me, it would kind of force me to go there.

Biko Wright: Um, that is that true? Oh, totally. Yeah, definitely. Yeah. You know, it's, it's super weird to try to explain it to other people and like whenever I do, I, I [00:57:00] don't manage to, to explain myself very well. But, uh, yeah, it's, it's exactly like that. Yeah. And I think the challenge there is an, you know, people that are listening have heard this mentioned by me, and I think other participants, as well as that, you know, they're, I mean more than 80, but you know, there's roughly 80 people that have done something similar to you.

Biko Wright: Right. And so the amount of people, even if you extend it to two people that get lost at sea or that get lost, you know, on any other journey. I mean, today, I just don't think there's that many people that are, are in that extreme situation for that duration of time. And so, I mean, the reality is there's just not very many people that can [00:58:00] feel.

Biko Wright: The emotion with what you're saying. Like, we can feel the emotion, but can understand the emotion, I guess, is what I'm trying to get at. And that's gotta be interesting, even a specialist, right? You talk to talk to someone during aftercare and like, and you're just sitting there knowing like, dude, you don't even understand like, like, you know, you're helping, but you know, you, you don't understand the feelings behind what I'm saying, because there's just such a small number of people on the planet that have, have gone through this in modern history.

Biko Wright: I think that one of the great things about, you know, being able to reach out to past participants and talk to them, like, cause it, you know, it, it's this, this connection that we all have, uh, even though we're all from different walks of life and might've never met some of us, you know, and you know, some people might never associate with.

Biko Wright: Metal head like me, but we're connected in this strange way [00:59:00] through this game show where you have a simulated basically survival situation, you know, and there's that connection, you know, and I've, I've found that, um, with some of the past participants and stuff, just talking to them, uh, it feels like, you know, each other a little bit, even when you've never really spoken before, you know, just both know things about that.

Biko Wright: Um, they experience that's cool. And I mean, I guess thank goodness for the season one folks that there was a season two and beyond, right. Otherwise they'd be, they'd be in a little bit of trouble. Um, Biko this has been awesome. I wanted to, to obviously thank you for coming on and we'll kind of transition here.

Biko Wright: I know that one, you've got a, an awesome and busy family to get back to. Um, but you're also mentioned that you've got an [01:00:00] elk hunt tomorrow, so I can imagine that you're going to be getting up here and in less hours than, than, than you were hoping for. Um, so as, I guess, as we transition, um, do you have anything that you want to set the record straight on or any, anything we've talked about tonight that you want to clarify or, or expound on, or other than that, any just last things you want to say before we close up tonight?

Biko Wright: Um, let me think.

Biko Wright: Well, all I can say for the people watching the show, as you know, uh, Don't always believe how it's edited sometimes situations. Aren't the way they're perceived on the television show. And, uh, that can happen a lot. I know it's happened to a lot of other participants where they might have taken [01:01:00] something out of context and mashed it up with something else to create a different narrative.

Biko Wright: So a perfect example, all of that is in season eight on all the promo shots. Um, after clay has. Spoiler alert. Um, if you haven't watched season eight, go ahead and turn off now. Um, but after clay, you know, they're doing the promos and you see clay just looking like the most terrible thing on the face of the planet has just happened to him.

Biko Wright: Right. He like looks just like distraught and it's just the worst day ever. And then when you see that clip in the show, it's like, he just shot a deer. Like he's, he's like literally kneeling over this animal that just gave its life for him. And he is on like, not even cloud nine, like we're talking about 20.

Biko Wright: Right. I think that's a perfect example of, of that where like it in the promo is, it looks like Clay's having a terrible day in reality, [01:02:00] you know, clay is like, oh, thank goodness. Yeah. Cause I it's like I just won this shit, man. Right. Um, so yeah, don't, don't. It's still a show. It's a great show. Um, but you know, give the people the benefit of the doubt.

Biko Wright: Um, any other last words before we wrap up tonight? Um, no, I think, I think, uh, I've said it all. It's been awesome talking, man. Yeah. Hey, it's been a pleasure to, to visit with you. Uh, one goes to hide your family, to go get a little bit of sleep three, uh, good luck tomorrow and shoot straight. And I, you know, bless your back if you happen to get an elk.

Biko Wright: Thanks, man. Yeah, I, you know, tomorrow is for me more than anything just about getting out and having some fun. I've already gotten some game animals this year, so [01:03:00] we got plenty of meat in the freezer. Cool. Well, beco, it's been a pleasure. I hope to I'll keep in touch obviously with your, your socials and see what's going on.

Biko Wright: And, um, you have a great night. Sounds good. Can I take care? Yeah. You as well, have a good night now. .