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El Burno isn't just a brand, it's a story. A legacy. A tribute.
under the Flat hat
The fight for truth didn’t end with the uniform.
Hosted by former park rangers Chris Burnette and Kevin Heatley, Under the Flat Hat pulls back the curtain on what really happens inside America’s public lands—and to the people who protect them. Through candid stories, insider insight, and a dose of humor, the hosts explore the intersections of law, leadership, and landscape while shining a light on the realities of federal service, conservation, and accountability.
Also, because they are no longer federal employees bound by legal restrictions, they have the ability to say and talk about things that current rangers and staff cannot without taking a great risk, including violating ethics rules, their families, or their careers.
This page is your hub for everything Under the Flat Hat—listen in through our video gallery, meet the hosts, dive into production notes, and explore bonus materials that bring each story to life. Produced by El Burno Studios, where creativity meets conservation.
Listen. Learn. Laugh. And remember—our fight for truth didn’t end when we took off the hat.
Listener Notes:
Explicit Language- This show is mostly family-friendly—think ranger humor meets real talk—but occasional episodes include explicit language. We keep it respectful, yet some stories dive into the raw, unfiltered realities of public service and life on the federal front lines.
Disclaimer- The views and content presented by El Burno Productions are for general information and education only. Nothing in our videos, books, shows, podcasts, or website should be taken as legal advice or relied upon for any legal purpose. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.
We are currently in production so only a few videos are uploaded at this time. The final format, feel, topics, and other materials may change as we figure out how everything works, what we want to do, and work to make it something to be proud of.
We appreciate your patience and support while we go through this process!
Click here to go to the Video Gallery where all our videos are Available!
Click here to go to our Hosts' and other team member Bios.
Click here to find other materials related to the show, such as productions notes, episode notes, useful links, further reading, and more!
Meet the Team
Meet the Team Behind the Mic!
Get to know the voices and creative minds behind Under the Flat Hat. From former park rangers to producers and artists, our team brings firsthand experience, humor, and heart to every episode—sharing real stories from America’s public lands and the people who protect them.
Co-Host
chris burnette
Former National Park Service ranger turned federal attorney, Chris has worn more hats than most—literally and figuratively. From the backcountry to the courtroom, he’s spent his career defending the lands, laws, and people that hold the American experiment together. Now, through Under the Flat Hat, he blends storytelling, law, and lived experience to spotlight what really happens behind the scenes of public service—and why it still matters.
Co-Host
Kevin Heatley
A lifelong conservationist and former National Park Service superintendent, Kevin has spent decades in the trenches of restoration, leadership, and environmental repair. From rebuilding damaged ecosystems to navigating the maze of federal bureaucracy, he’s seen how good people fight to do good work—and what happens when the system fights back. On Under the Flat Hat, Kevin brings blunt honesty, field-worn wisdom, and the voice of someone who never stopped believing that stewardship is an act of resistance.
Producer & Creative Director
Elise burnette
A storyteller at heart and strategist by trade, Elise has worked across TV, conservation, and nonprofit worlds—bringing big ideas to life through media, marketing, and education. She’s been a producer, teacher, and creative force behind countless campaigns that connect people to purpose. Now a marketing manager for a major nonprofit, Elise blends artistry with strategy to make sure the message hits home. At El Burno Studios, she keeps the vision sharp, the sound clean, and the chaos beautifully organized.
Notes and other Materials
Useful Links
Resources & Links
Mentioned on Under the Flat Hat:
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Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Website)
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Film Available on Netflix & Youtube
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