Skip to main content
What Keeps the Fires Burning?

What Keeps the Fires Burning?

By Nelson Mendels and Adam Eberhard

Nelson Mendels and Adam Eberhard, both current campers at Camp Nebagamon, discuss the great experiences that come out of 54849. They interview current campers, staff, and alumni, in pursuit to bring together the Camp Nebagamon family. This podcast is dedicated to the experiences, memories, and lessons learned at Camp Nebagamon. Keep the fires burning.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Go for the Tetherball...Stay for the Broken Leg

What Keeps the Fires Burning?Aug 16, 2022

00:00
49:11
Go for the Tetherball...Stay for the Broken Leg

Go for the Tetherball...Stay for the Broken Leg

Hank Pulitzer is many things to Camp Nebagamon: push, waterfront director, chef. Some kids don't know who he is, some are scared of him, but WE love him. We have brought him onto the show to talk about his many roles in camp, his culinary career, funny stories as a camper to counselor, and much more. Keep the Fires Burning. 

Aug 16, 202249:11
#ChillPC

#ChillPC

Jesse Herzog and Jesse Chan, better known as Greg and Greg, are on this podcast. There two were our counselors, whether they liked it or not, and we were glad to talk to them about last summer, what to expect this summer, and everything in between. We do a lot of shoutouts, and this is a long episode, but it is a great one. KTFB. 

Jan 18, 202201:27:04
Don't Ring the Bell

Don't Ring the Bell

WE ARE BACK!! We are so glad to bring back "What Keeps the Fires Burning?" to the Camp Nebagamon community. It's just Nelson and Adam on this episode, but we will be coming back with tons of guests. We reflect on everything that happened this summer and share our opinions on how a final summer truly feels. Keep the Fires Burning. 

Dec 24, 202152:02
Top Bunk Engineering

Top Bunk Engineering

For our 26th episode, we decided to bring back the people who are probably the most excited for this summer... campers. Specifically, our cabin mates, who are just anticipating the fun we will have for our last summer at Camp Nebagamon. There's no theme to this episode. Just fun. We are ready. Are you?
May 30, 202151:34
Reminiscing with Clark Howard

Reminiscing with Clark Howard

Clark Howard, entrepreneur and radio host to many, but to us, he is a part of the Camp Nebagamon Family. He went to camp 50 years ago, but he clearly loves it just as much today. We are so excited to bring on Clark on this podcast and hear about a different version of Camp Nebagamon. Keep the Fires Burning. 

May 02, 202140:07
Brotherly Love From The Fromms

Brotherly Love From The Fromms

The three Fromm brothers, Charlie, Eli, and Walt, come onto the show to talk about their relationship at Camp Nebagamon. These three guys are all awesome and each have their own characteristics, but one thing for sure is that they all love camp. On this episode, we discuss how their relationship has changed over time at camp, some funny stories together, and much more. KTFB. 

Apr 18, 202139:23
The Studio. The Studio Gang.

The Studio. The Studio Gang.

Hair and tears are what Matt Wilhelm are known for best, in a GOOD WAY. Matt didn't go to Camp Nebagamon but he sure loves it, and on this episode, we talk about where his enthusiasm comes from, the crazy stories he goes through with his cabin, and even a few bets here and there.

Apr 04, 202154:57
Mouth Guards, Morning Runs, and Memories of a Lifetime

Mouth Guards, Morning Runs, and Memories of a Lifetime

Thanks to Jesse Shapiro, Ben Montag, and Jed Whalen Stewart for reaching out to us and coming on the show! These three guys embody what we talk about on this show, reaching out and staying connected during tough times. Whether it be their obsession with Settlers of Catan, their hilarious stories about Chef's Cap, or just the strong connections they made, it's obvious that these guys have made amazing friendships because of Camp Nebagamon. Keep the Fires Burning. 

Mar 21, 202140:39
Shoutout Kitchen Staff - Daisy Mack

Shoutout Kitchen Staff - Daisy Mack

We've talked about it way too much. Yes. Food, an integral part of Camp Nebagamon. What better way to celebrate food at camp than brining in one of the best chefs in all of the North Woods: Daisy Mack. This is an episode dedicated to the hard work of the kitchen staff at camp, as we discuss with Daisy the process of cooking at camp, what life as a kitchen staffer is like, and even a recipe or two. Keep the Fires Burning. 

Mar 07, 202139:25
Slime Time With Louis Levin

Slime Time With Louis Levin

Ever wonder how everything gets scheduled around camp? You think the waterfront just happens to be open for cruiser day Push Ball? Incase you don't already know him, meet Louis, the program director of Camp Nebagamon. On this episode, we talk about his role in camp, what crazy and wacky ideas he has come up with, and what he is most excited about for the upcoming summer. Keep the Fires Burning. 

Feb 21, 202142:29
The Robot Returns - An Update on the 2021 Summer

The Robot Returns - An Update on the 2021 Summer

If you read the most recent arrowhead, you would know that CAMP IS BACK ON for the 2021 season! We are just as excited as you. With this news, there are bound to be some questions, so we brought on the Co-Director himself: Adam Kaplan to clarify some of the news, answer some questions from our listeners, and talk about how excited we are for the upcoming summer. Keep the Fires Burning. 

Feb 07, 202145:09
All World State of Mind

All World State of Mind

On this episode, Alex Gordon, AKA "RBD", AKA "All World", come onto the show to talk about what. it's like to be the logger push, what. he teaches counselors and what he looks for in them, cruiser days, and more. From his hilarious jokes to cool stories, RBD is someone you will never forget after going to Camp Nebagamon. KTFB. 

Jan 10, 202153:54
Santa Sachs

Santa Sachs

On this episode of WKTFB, we interview David Sachs, third gen camper, swamper push, and one-time program director at Camp Nebagamon. David has had camp be a part of his life since he was an infant, and has made sure that it is a part of his life today, as well as those around him. He tells funny stories about Swampers, the his philosophy of working with them, and the history of the legendary Frank "Q" Sachs, and the impact he has had on camp. Keep the Fired Burning.

Dec 27, 202039:01
Like Father, Like Son

Like Father, Like Son

On this episode, Jeff Eberhard comes to the show to discuss his camp career and the impact Nebagamon has had on him. Jeff is the father of one of us, Adam. Jeff talks about how he's seen Adam develop from camp and how he enjoys also seeing and hearing all. about Adam's camp career. Keep the Fires Burning.
Dec 13, 202043:51
Thanks for the Pines, for the Friends, and so Much More

Thanks for the Pines, for the Friends, and so Much More

In honor of Thanksgiving, we bring back our cabin mates Nick Fleisher and Emmitt Gerstein to just talk about Camp Nebagamon. For the things we are thankful for at camp and what we love about it. This episode is dedicated to the roots of camp and what make it so special. 

Nov 29, 202046:41
James Atkinson - From Australia to Nebagamon

James Atkinson - From Australia to Nebagamon

On this episode of WKTFB, we got James Atkinson on the show. James, who is from Australia, reached out to use and told us about all of these awesome stories and experiences he had at camp, and we knew we had to have him on the show. We talk about what it's like coming to another country for camp, funny stories that happened when he worked at camp, as well as how James has been helping himself and other during the pandemic, as well as Keeping the Fires Burning. Check out his website here: www.mylifeinlockdown.net. 

Nov 15, 202032:07
Nebagamonians vs. North-Starians

Nebagamonians vs. North-Starians

On this episode, Adam and Nelson discuss with Oli Katz and David Cohn camp North Star and Camp Nebagamon, and realize together that the two camps have a lot more in common than they might have realized. Whether it be the traditions, the food, or the fun games they play at the Camps, it sure is obvious that no matter what camp we go to, it will always be meaningful to us. Keep the Fires Burning!

Nov 01, 202056:06
What's Your Candy Line Order? Briggs Suprise!

What's Your Candy Line Order? Briggs Suprise!

On this episode of WKTFB, Adam and Nelson interview the iconic Joe Briggs from the office of Camp Nebagamon. Whether it's his love of nature, his legendary motor cycle, or the funny experiences and memories he's brought to camp, everyone who goes to camp knows who Briggs is. On this episode, they discuss what it's like to work in the office, and how he is still able to be a big part of camp. Also, Adam and Nelson introduce the name of their segment with Kaplan. What could it be?  Keep the Fires Burning. 

Oct 18, 202039:54
Full Circle - Alex, Reid, and Blake Balser

Full Circle - Alex, Reid, and Blake Balser

On this episode of "What Keeps the Fires Burning?", Adam and Nelson interview the three Balser brothers. These guys have gone through their camper careers together and share the counselors and memories that impacted them most. They also talk about the camp community and how it has been able to spread over time, as well as what having a brother at camp is like. KTFB.
Oct 04, 202048:27
Taking it All in - John and Tommy Bellaire

Taking it All in - John and Tommy Bellaire

For our tenth episode, we interview John and Tommy Bellaire, two brothers who have been a part of camp for years. We discuss the ninth (or tenth) grade summer, and what is important to remember and learn during it. We then go onto talk about being a counselor, and and how being a camper can help define who you are as a counselor. KTFB. 

Sep 27, 202050:35
The REAL Camp Director - Stephanie Hanson

The REAL Camp Director - Stephanie Hanson

In this episode, Nelson and Adam interview Steph Hanson, the co-director of Camp Nebagamon. They talk about what it was like being at camp this summer, what campers can be excited for and prepared for next summer, and answer some VERY important questions on Adam Kaplan's robot situation. 

Sep 20, 202047:07
Jim Koretz - Why We All Need to Keep the Fires Burning

Jim Koretz - Why We All Need to Keep the Fires Burning

In this episode, Adam and Nelson interview Jim Koretz. He was a camper in the 70's but loves it just as much today. He talks about the importance of keeping in touch with all of your old camp friends, as well as why camp has had such a big impact on his life. KTFB. 

Sep 06, 202039:14
Flip your (Mon)tag!

Flip your (Mon)tag!

On this episode, Nelson and Adam interview the Montag brothers and father, Sam, Ben, and John. They talk about their different perspectives on camp as kids vs. adults, what camp has meant to them as a whole, and how they have been able to Keep the Fires Burning. The Montag family would like to give a special shoutout to Buddy Herzog. KTFB. 

Aug 30, 202037:20
Ryan Zimmerman - Flipping the Switch

Ryan Zimmerman - Flipping the Switch

If you listened to our last episode, you heard Ryan Zimmerman's message that he sent into our show. Adam and Nelson interview Ryan Zimmerman, their former counselor from Logger 5 (2017). They talk about Ryan's perspective of being their counselor, compare and contrast the experience of camp from a camper vs counselors perspective, and tell some hilarious stories. KTFB. 

Aug 23, 202041:36
Hugh Broder - Change and Dreams

Hugh Broder - Change and Dreams

Adam and Nelson Interview former camper and current ski boat driver at Camp Nebagamon: Hugh Broder. Hugh was a camper in the 60's and still loves camp just as much today. He talks about his and his family's journey through Nebagamon, compares the traditions of then and now, and talks about how camp has impacted his life working in New York! KTFB. 

Aug 16, 202043:37
The Big Pencil - Isle Royale's 1 and 2 of 2019

The Big Pencil - Isle Royale's 1 and 2 of 2019

In this episode, Adam and Nelson interview the 2 Isle Royale trips of 2019, learning about the names of the trips, crazy and funny experiences that happened, and the impact of Isle Royale as a camper. On behalf of the eighth grade class of 2019, we hope this episode encourages everyone at camp to go out of their comfort zone and go out on trail, as it is a once in a life tim opportunity! KTFB. 

Aug 09, 202048:34
Andy Cohen and Noah Stein - The Two Pushes Who "Brought It"

Andy Cohen and Noah Stein - The Two Pushes Who "Brought It"

Adam and Nelson Interview the LJ village co-pushes of 2019, Andy Cohen and Noah Stein. They learn about the bond between this dynamic duo, talk about experiences at camp and its impact on them today, and review the guidelines of what constitutes a "Cowboy". 

Aug 02, 202055:35
Adam Kaplan - Award Winning "Schramer"

Adam Kaplan - Award Winning "Schramer"

Nelson and Adam interview the current co-director of Camp Nebagamon, Adam Kaplan (2003 - Present). Kaplan tells stories of how he found out about 54849, what he was like as a staff member, and some of the crazy things he has seen as a director. Keep the fires burning. 

Jul 26, 202049:59
Intro to Our Show

Intro to Our Show

Adam and Nelson release their first episode of "What Keeps the Fires Burning?", telling stories, jokes, and fun experiences at Camp Nebagamon to show off what this podcast is all about. Keep the fires burning. 

Jul 26, 202036:35