Best Rob Helton Podcasts (2025)

1
S6E41 - ...Until Dawn Chorus 20:17

Play Pause

7d ago20:17

20:17

This will be my final day of recording for this season of Songbirding, which will be a whirlwind tour of several remote areas of Allegheny National Forest. But first, I’m hiking up Deer Lick Run one last time to retrieve my recorders, which captured this abundant dawn chorus. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studi…

1
S6E40 - From Dusk... (Barred Owl) 25:00

14d ago25:00

25:00

The Barred Owl is one of the larger owls, and has a brown mottled plumage, and big black beady eyes. They are typically found in mature forests near water, and swamps. Their hooting “Who cook’s for you” song can make these owls incredibly easy to find -- by ear at least. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios pr…

1
S6E39 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 6 27:51

21d ago27:51

27:51

After several hours exploring, I’m ready to conclude my hike of the Minister Creek Trail. Even though noon is soon approaching, the bird’s songs are still going strong! Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackbur…

1
S6E38 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 5 (Black-and-white Warbler) 30:09

28d ago30:09

30:09

The Black-and-white warbler is striking in both its pattern and behaviour. Its zebra-striped plumage combined with its nuthatch-like behaviour of climbing up tree trunks and hanging upside down off branches, makes it a unique warbler. The song of the Black-and-white Warbler is a fairly simple, consistent 2 to 3 second staccato trill that can someti…

1
S6E37 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 4 (Canada Warbler) 23:13

1M ago23:13

23:13

The Canada Warbler is colourful, energetic little bird found in the understory of northern forests throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. It's sometimes called the "necklaced" warbler due to its black necklace pattern across its yellow chest. The song of the Canada Warbler is loud, clear, and can vary by individual but generally alwa…

1
S6E36 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 3 (Rose-breasted Grosbeak) 20:52

1M ago20:52

20:52

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is an iconic songbird species: the male's bright and cheery song, and equality cheery and rosy plumage makes it a highly sought-after backyard bird. The song is sometimes referred to as, "sounding like an American Robin who has taken singing lessons". Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Stu…

1
S6E35 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 2 (Eastern Chipmunk) 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

When learning birds calls and songs, there are a few non-avian sounds that are useful to know. Sometimes mammals, such the Eastern Chipmunk sound like what you could imagine to be a bird call. It can sound like the chipping calls of a number of bird species, and sometimes it can even make a clacking call that is similar to that of the Yellow-billed…

1
S6E34 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 1 25:23

2M ago25:23

25:23

For the next few episodes we’ll be exploring one of my favourite birding hikes yet — the Minister Creek Trail. I came to this trail knowing nearly nothing about it, and yet seem to have found the perfect time to explore it — in early June when the rhododendrons are blooming and birdsong is in abundance. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National F…

1
Migrations: World Migratory Bird Day 2025 49:28

2M ago49:28

49:28

Saturday May 10th, 2025 is World Migratory Bird Day. This annual event held every year on the second Saturday in May for the US and Canada, and second Saturday in October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. For extra content, see Patreon https://www.patreon.com/songbirding Credits Songbirding: World Migratory Bird Day 2025 is a…

1
S6E33 - The Beaver Meadows Loop, Part 2 24:06

3M ago24:06

24:06

The slow hike concludes as we hear more Red-headed and Blue-headed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/pr…

1
S6E32 - The Beaver Meadows Loop, Part 1 26:50

3M ago26:50

26:50

It's a lazy and hazy afternoon, and we're going to hike the Beaver Meadows Loop in Allegheny National Forest. Some species encountered include Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and creat…

1
Suffering and Sacrifice 1:30:05

3M ago1:30:05

1:30:05

The March dataslate has dropped and the Emperor has led us from the darkness! Join Mitch and Scott for a classic Sister Act 40k dataslate review, where we talk over every little change with a puritanical zeal worthy of the Golden Throne. Scott and Mitch also riff on their favorite builds coming out of the dataslate - spoiler alert, its Hallowed Mar…

1
S6E31 - The Buzzard Swamp, Part 2 (Song Sparrow) 32:02

3M ago32:02

32:02

In our concluding hike of this area, the wind picks up but so do the bird songs! Song Sparrow, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat are just a few species we encounter in the last leg of the journey. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by R…

1
S6E30 - The Buzzard Swamp, Part 1 (Alder/Willow Flycatcher) 29:54

4M ago29:54

29:54

Now we follow an open access road into the Buzzard Swamp proper, encountering many new species, such as Common Yellowthroats, Field Sparrow, House Wren, and various flycatchers. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art …

1
S6E29 - Intermezzo (Blackburnian Warbler) 24:54

4M ago24:54

24:54

As we take a "lunch" break between the Songbird Sojourn Trail and the Buzzard Swamp, a Gray Catbird, Blackburnian Warbler, and various other birds sing. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is…

1
S6E28 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 3 (Brown Creeper) 32:51

5M ago32:51

32:51

The songs continue along the Songbird Sojourn -- including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and many more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Hel…

1
S6E27 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 2 (Ovenbird) 22:40

5M ago22:40

22:40

As we continue the Songbird Sojourn Trail, Ovenbirds, Blue-headed Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos and various other species are heard. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https:/…

1
S6E26 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 1 (Tufted Titmouse) 23:34

5M ago23:34

23:34

It's 2023 and I've returned to Allegheny National Forest. For the next few episodes we'll be exploring the Buzzard Swamp, starting with the aptly named Songbird Sojourn trail. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (B…

1
For Whom the Bell Tolls 1:54:12

5M ago1:54:12

1:54:12

Listeners, it is time to face our judgment. The Emperor has deemed us unworthy of our rules and points, and has blessed us to suffer mightily to earn our redemption. That's right, time to review the latest balance dataslate! Join Mitch and Scott as we run through the changes, our thoughts on what this means for the sisters, and where to go next. Fi…

1
Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 3 21:12

7M ago21:12

21:12

We conclude the hike, starting with some unhappy blackbirds, and rounding off with Red-eyed Vireos and Black-throated Green Warblers. Credits Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://t…

1
Triumph without Triumph 1:33:44

7M ago1:33:44

1:33:44

The dialoguys bring Rhys Cunningham onto Sister Act 40k! Rhys is a world-class player from Australia who has won multiple major AUS events as well as representing the Aussies at WTC this past year. Rhys recently went 8-0 at a GT with a Triumph-less list after the Fall MFM changes, and we just had to have him on the show to talk through the tried-an…

1
Dialoguys Meet at Last 1:30:35

8M ago1:30:35

1:30:35

Mitch finally meets a cohost!! Scott recently traveled to the UK to visit Mitch, play at the LGT (and Friday Night Doubles), and even visit Warhammer World! Listen in to learn all about Scott's excellent adventure to the home of Warhammer and this latest evolution in the Mitch-Scott bromance. Finally, as a bonus you also get to hear all about McWer…

1
Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 2 27:32

8M ago27:32

27:32

We continue the hike by exploring the shore along Otter Lake, including Common Yellowthroats, Swamp Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and more. Credits Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://…

1
Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 1 25:17

8M ago25:17

25:17

It’s been five years since I first recorded birdsong at the Otter Lake Side Trail in Cape Chin North on the Bruce Peninsula. In this three part series, we'll return for another morning hike. A video version is forthcoming and the link will be added here when ready. Credits Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production. Recor…

1
Judgment Day 45:12

8M ago45:12

45:12

The MFM is out and judgment day has arrived for the sororitas. The Emperor's finest had become lax in their faith, using a powerful codex to defeat His foes without sufficient suffering and castigation. Fear not sisters, for our judgment has given us new opportunity to prove our faith after bearing a new burden of points hikes! Listen in to hear Mi…

1
Only the Penitent Man Will Pass 1:24:14

8M ago1:24:14

1:24:14

The London Grand Tournament has come and gone, and with it the incredible 5-0 performance by Will Whitaker! Join Mitch and Scott as they figure out how the heck Will took Penitent Host all the way to a 5-0 finish and a trip to the shadow round, losing only to eventual 2nd place finisher Brian Seipp.

1
Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 3 25:50

9M ago25:50

25:50

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024. This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc Credits Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrate…

1
Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 2 24:49

9M ago24:49

24:49

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024. This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc Credits Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrate…

1
Praying Outside the Box 1:18:02

10M ago1:18:02

1:18:02

After a phenomenal series of 5-0 showings, Mitch and Scott had to bring Stephen Box back to talk about his very unique Army of Faith lists! We talk about Stephen's list building philosophy for army of faith and the evolution of the list across his three recent runs at competitive events. Enjoy!

1
Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 1 25:01

10M ago25:01

25:01

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024. This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc Credits Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrate…

1
Jack Leads Leeds 1:30:26

10M ago1:30:26

1:30:26

Jack Tite returns to Sister Act 40k, newly triumphant after his takedown of the 2024 Leeds UKTC supermajor! Join Mitch and Scott as they talk through Jack's list, his take on bringers of flame, what he thinks about running Vahl-less Paragon warsuits, his love affair with the blessed foot canoness, and what it took to make it to the top. Enjoy!…

1
S6E25 - Allegheny State Park in July, Part 2 27:39

10M ago27:39

27:39

I’m wrapping up my exploration of the Red House Wetlands at Allegheny State Park in New York state. Even though its late in the day for birdsong, there are still a couple new species to be heard during my last recording of 2022. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated an…

1
Bringing the Flame to Belgium 1:53:14

10M ago1:53:14

1:53:14

Join Sister Act 40k host Scott Ketcham as he interviews Mitch on his WTC adventure as part of team Iceland 2024! Mitch talks about his path to joining the team in the first place, the prep it took to get to ready, the list, the event itself, and a quick recap of his 7 games at the event. Listen in to find out all about the BINz, Mitch's epic failur…

1
S6E24 - Allegheny State Park in July, Part 1 23:57

11M ago23:57

23:57

For the next couple episodes, we'll be exploring the New York side of the the forest -- specifically within the bounds of the Allegheny State Park. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by L…

1
Top of Tacoma 2:43:26

11M ago2:43:26

2:43:26

Beloved show host and hero of the Imperium Scott Ketcham goes to Tacoma, a 450 person GW tournament, and makes it to the finals! Listen to this monster of an episode where Scott breaks down his list, games, and Patreon questions in incredible detail. Well done Scott, we're all so proud of you!

1
S6E23 - The Timberdoodle Flats, Part 2 (Eastern Towhee) 28:13

11M ago28:13

28:13

We continue through the Timberdoodle Flats, and encounter Eastern Towhees, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.car…

1
S6E22 - The Timberdoodle Flats, Part 1 24:14

1y ago24:14

24:14

The Timberdoodle Flats are in the northeast of the ANF, and are a different kind of habitat -- a mix of meadows, forest, and open prairie. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Hel…

1
Faithier, Flamier, Penitentier 2:23:19

1y ago2:23:19

2:23:19

Stephen Box comes onto Sister Act 40k to talk about the newly released points for our codex! While some changes made us wince a bit, overall we see a lot of potential in our new book and many opportunities for creativity. Join Stephen and Mitch as they talk about all the units in the context of their points, along with tons of ideas on how to use t…

1
S6E21 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 5 23:48

1y ago23:48

23:48

As the hike approaches the end, Dark-eyed Juncos, Winter Wren and Magnolia Warblers are encountered while many more newts are found. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: h…

1
Faith, Flame, and Penitence 3:11:31

1y ago3:11:31

3:11:31

Ave Imperator sisters, the Emperor has truly blessed his most faithful! The new codex is here!! The only way to make this episode as epic as the book itself was to bring out the big guns - Rob Helton returns triumphantly to this episode, marking the first time we have ever had 3 cohosts on the show at once. We also praise the Emperor for the return…

1
S6E20 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 4 28:41

1y ago28:41

28:41

I’m continuing my early morning hike along Deer Lick Run, and am now heading back downstream towards my campsite. It’s been just over an hour since sunrise, and the dawn chorus is still going strong. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The …

1
S6E19 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 3 (Common Yellowthroat) 28:06

1y ago28:06

28:06

The hike continues with Common Yellowthoats, Indigo Buntings, and much more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062 Crea…

1
Victory in the City of Dreaming Spires 2:15:40

1y ago2:15:40

2:15:40

Mitch and Scott invite Vik Vijay onto the show once again, fresh from his glorious win at the 260 player Oxford UKTC supermajor. We also had the new points by the time of recording, so we of course had to discuss those changes also. Vik is once again a phenomenal guest and this is an absolute banger of an episode. Listen in to hear all about his ta…

1
McWalloping Wet Coast 1:30:56

1y ago1:30:56

1:30:56

Welcome back McWerp aka Brendan McKenzie to the show, newly draped in glory from his huge win at Wet Coast, a 160 person major, with the Sororitas! Join Mitch and Scott as they catch up with McWerp, dissect his list, and walk through his blessed 6-0 run. Enjoy, and as always, thank you for supporting the show!…

1
S6E18 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Magnolia Warbler) 29:17

1y ago29:17

29:17

The dawn hike up Deer Lick Run continues, including some morning songs from Magnolia Warblers. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115878501 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production. Record…

1
S6E17 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 1 25:40

1y ago25:40

25:40

At sunrise every morning during bird breeding season, habitats everywhere erupt into birdsong. This is referred to as the Dawn Chorus, and depending on where you live, it could be just a few neighbourhood backyard birds, or a deafening cacophony of various species competing to be heard the most. I’m taking advantage of staying at campgrounds that h…

1
S6E16 - The Edge of Heart's Content, Part 2 30:44

1y ago30:44

30:44

In this episode we continue with the exploration of Heart's Content via the interpretive trails along the edge habitat. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S119284081 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding S…

1
S6E15 - The Edge of Heart's Content, Part 1 24:30

1y ago24:30

24:30

Heart's Content Scenic Area is one of the few "old growth" forests in Pennsylvania. Instead of going deep into the old growth though, today I’ll be exploring the picnic area and nearby interpretive trails. It may seem counterintuitive, but the greatest diversity of songbirds can be heard by sticking close to edge habitat — that is, habitats that re…

1
Taking Out the Eurotrash 1:51:55

1y ago1:51:55

1:51:55

Mitch recently went to the ETC aka Eurotrash Cup, hosted by Team Netherlands, as part of team Iceland's delegation. After the event, Mitch and Scott wanted to break down the event, so we have invited back Typhus! Typhus is a legendary Team Poland player and an expert in both sisters and teams, and shares brilliant (and occasionally controversial!) …

1
S6E14 - Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Wood Thrush) 22:49

1+ y ago22:49

22:49

As we descend the trails of Deer Lick Run, Hermit Thrush songs give way to their Wood Thrush cousins. Learn more about the Wood Thrush: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Thrush eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115149345 Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Credi…