A brain tumor, a wheelchair, and a 3,000-mile drive to Texas did not stop Lasha Barbosa from reclaiming her life in the outdoors. Dana sits down with Lasha and Barbosa and her husband Chris who translates and speaks for her on the podcast.
The trio talk about what happened after Lasha saw a Women Hunt post on Instagram and is one of the most moving comeback stories you’ll hear all season. Lasha opens up about surviving brain surgery, losing friends, rebuilding her strength, and finding purpose again through hunting, conservation, and community. You’ll hear how the Women Hunt program became more than a training week - it became the spark that pushed her out of bed and back into nature. She shares the nerves of arriving at FTW, the surprise of instantly connecting with the women there, and the unforgettable moment she made her first successful shot on a deer after learning to shoot out to 700 yards with the group. We also get into the deeper side of Lasha’s journey: how she lost her voice box and mobility, how she fought for a diagnosis in Canada, and why she refused to let any of it define the rest of her life. Dana and Lasha talk honestly about grief, resilience, and the power of being welcomed into a community that never treated her like she was broken. Then there’s her art. Lasha shares how drawing became part of her rehabilitation after surgery, how a mentor helped her grow from complete beginner to Federation of Canadian Artists signature status, and why she now donates her work to conservation causes at events like Sheep Show.
It’s a story about creativity, recovery, and using whatever gifts you have to give back. If you need proof that one courageous decision can change everything, this conversation delivers it. Perfect for anyone who loves hunting, conservation, comeback stories, or the kind of episode that reminds you what people can do when they refuse to stay down.
Follow Lasha and her hunting journey on Instagram at @lasha_rugged_roots_outdoors and her art account at @lasha_fine_art
Tags: Women Hunt