She Explores

We travel to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia to create a story about the visible impact we leave behind on the country we live in and the countries we visit. We talk with Emily Green, director of the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund about the importance of the social, economic, and political communities teaming together to support the sustainability of the park. Gale also shadows Chilean trail volunteers as they build a new trail in Torres del Paine. We find out what motivated them to give back and what they hope to leave behind. Find out more about the Torres Del Paine Legacy Fund on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Sponsored by Peak Design - Get 15% off purchases $19.95+ with code SHEEXPLORES (excludes bundles). Shop here. Join our Facebook Group! Music is by Lee Rosevere and Kai Engel.

Traci Lynn Martin is currently attempting two big goals: 1) to set a new world record for number of miles paddled in a surfski kayak 2) to be the first to circumnavigate all 5 Great Lakes in that kayak within 12 months. These are seriously big goals, but to Traci, they're just a series of little goals to show other people with Rheumatoid Arthritis what they could achieve, too. We talk with Traci about how she got into endurance kayaking, what motivated her to begin this journey, how it feels to be out there on the water day after day, and how she'll feel if she doesn't achieve those big goals. We were left feeling inspired by her mental and physical fortitude. As of yesterday, she had ~270 miles left to paddle in December for the world record. Go Traci, Go! Follow Traci's journey "Just Around the Pointe" on her website, Instagram, and Facebook. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Sponsored by Peak Design - Get 15% off purchases $19.95+ with code SHEEXPLORES (excludes bundles). Shop here. Join our Facebook Group! Music is by Lee Rosevere, Portrayal, and PC-One.

Last winter Emma Hayward reached out to ask Gale, "What does wilderness mean to you?" Emma was working on her senior thesis project. As an environmental science major with a love for the ocean, she wanted to dig into not only the "what" of wilderness, but the "where." This episode is a piece of Emma's thesis project. It's her personal exploration to find out why wilderness is so important to us and how we make the distinction between wild and not-wild. It includes Emma's findings through survey results, research, and conversations with Dr. Nita Tallent (Cape Cod National Seashore), Dr. Craig Marin (assistant professor of SEA Semester), Rachael Miller (founder of Rozalia Project), and our own Gale Straub. Follow Emma on Instagram. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Sponsored by Peak Design - Get 15% off purchases $19.95+ with code SHEEXPLORES (excludes bundles). Shop here. Join our Facebook Group! Music is by Kai Engel and Kevin Macleod.

We talk with Katy Fetters, founder of the movement Cerebral Palsy Strong, about how she's found adaptability and vulnerability to be her strengths on the trail, overlanding in South America, and in every day life. Katy is driven to share stories of other young people with CP as evidence that there are many ways to lead an active lifestyle with differing mobilities. Above all, Katy wants all women to channel the ability to overcome challenges, be they physical, emotional, or situational. Find Cerebral Palsy Strong stories on Instagram and through the website. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Sponsored by Peak Design - Get 10 - 25% off sitewide (!) Thursday Nov 23rd through Tuesday Nov 28th. Join our Facebook Group! Music is by Lee Rosevere.

There's magic to be found in a small park. Writer Korrin Bishop shares Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve through the voices of three women: park superintendent Vicki Snitzler, interpretive ranger Kat Gans, and artist Jean Robertson. For the last summer season, Korrin Bishop balanced her full time job with being an artist-in-residence at Oregon Caves National Monument. In this episode, she gives us an insider's look at the ~4,500 acre park. We're drawn to what lies beneath the surface of this small community: a togetherness that results in the protection of a unique landscape and history, as well as the creation of art. Learn what it's like to work at a small park and be a part of this community. Read about 10 National Monuments at risk. Korrin's articles from her time as a writer artist in residence at Oregon Caves: Do We Need National Preserves? Yes. Here's Why. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Sponsored by Peak Design - Be sure to check out their kickstarter this week as they revamp classics like the Capture clip! Join our Facebook Group! Music is by Lee Rosevere, Broke for Free, Anenon, Sergey Cheremisinov, Monplaisir, and Kevin Macleod.

Sarah Attar, the first female runner to represent Saudi Arabia in the Olympics, believes in the intimacy of learning a landscape on your own two feet. We talk with Sarah about the inspiration she finds in the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes, the power of tuning in to your speaking voice, and the recognition that every hill, every mile, and every accomplishment becomes a part of you. Featuring Sarah Attar. Find her on Instagram and learn more on her website. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Sponsored by Vasque: Featuring Kelly Dona KIND : Get a free 10 pack of full-size KINDbars by visiting www.kindsnacks.com/sheexplores for more details. Just pay shipping! Join our Facebook Group! Music by Steve combs, Kai Engel, Josh Woodward, and Lee Rosevere via freemusicarchive.org.

We talk with Kylie Fly about how she's creating her own career in the outdoor industry as an adventure photographer, when it's right to say no to opportunities, and why for her, people always come first. Featuring Kylie Fly. Find her on Instagram and see more of her photography in her portfolio. Kylie's tips for making your career: 1) Put yourself out there. Whether it’s the side of a mountain, on social media, or in Peru, Kylie practices her craft by doing and showing. 2) Keep learning. Kylie emphasizes that she’s not an expert, that there’s alway more to be curious about. 3) Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t feel like it’s happening for you, or like you’re not getting the jobs you want. Continue to do #1 - do the work that inspires. 4) Weigh the pros and cons of unpaid work. Consider how it will serve you and your goals. Consider the potential of a project beyond the current scope. 5) Take a deep breath and know it’s ok to say no sometimes. No to a work opportunity, no to a social event, no to that knot of anxiety inside your stomach. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Sponsored by Vasque: Featuring Sherry Winslow, member of Vasque's Thru Hike Syndicate KIND : Get a free 10 pack of full-size KINDbars by visiting www.kindsnacks.com/sheexplores for more details. Just pay shipping! Join our Facebook Group! Music by steve combs, Kai Engel, Josh Woodward, Lee Rosevere, and Fog Lake via freemusicarchive.org.

Host Gale takes her twin sister Lora backpacking for the very first time. They spend the night in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The hope? To be tired but happy, together. Featuring Lora and Gale Straub. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Sponsored by Vasque KIND : Get a free 10 pack of full-size KINDbars by visiting www.kindsnacks.com/sheexplores for more details. Just pay shipping! Join our Facebook Group! Music by steve combs, Josh Woodward, Lee Rosevere, and Fog Lake via freemusicarchive.org.

The smallest moments can have a real impact on our lives. We reflect on those moments in the outdoors, in the workplace, and in our personal lives. In this episode, we hear from a solo sailor approaching fifty years old, an adventure photographer on a mission to learn how to surf, an entrepreneur letting go after a loss, and a cancer survivor celebrating with a hike - among others. Recorded in part at No Man's Land Film Festival in Carbondale, CO. Featuring: Adventure photographer and filmmaker: Kat Carney Entrepreneur and co-founder of Wylder Goods: Jainee Dial Filmmaker and artist: Margie Woods Artist: Lisa Kowieski Co-Owner & Operator Alpacka Raft: Sarah Tingey Voice Submissions from: Greta Matos Lianna Lee Kathleen Merrick Janet Seabrands Aubrey Moore Lindsay Kovar Sponsored by Vasque KIND : Get a free 10 pack of full-size KINDbars by visiting www.kindsnacks.com/sheexplores for more details. Just pay shipping! Music by steve combs, kai engel, Josh Woodward, Lee Rosevere, and Fog Lake via freemusicarchive.org.

Ever feel like you need permission to try something new? We talk with Amanda Machado, author of the Vox essay "The Strangeness of Being a Latina who Loves Hiking." Amanda brings up the astute point that we so often look around us for permission to take a risk, when we just might not find it within our close circles. Amanda's advice? Go for it anyway. We talk with Amanda about growing up in Florida, how she got into hiking and backpacking, and traveling the world in her 20's. Most importantly, we find out what she's passionate about right now, the ways in which she's merging her interests and her communities, and how she's using her talents as a writer to reach people. Learn more on the episode page via she-explores.com/podcast. Read Amanda's writing via her portfolio site, www.amandaemachado.com. Donate to Latino Outdoors and learn more about their mission. Music is by Lee Rosevere, Kai Engel, and Chris Zabriskie via Freemusicarchive.org Thanks to our sponsor, Oru Kayak. Links mentioned in this episode: Amanda's Portfolio Vox Article: The Strangeness of Being a Latina Who Loves Hiking Latino Outdoors She Explores Podcast Facebook Group

On the trail, is confidence good, bad, or something in between? We talk with Lisa Michelle, a woman who lost her hiking partner tragically while hiking solo. We discover how Lisa is able to reconcile still doing what she loves when there's risk involved. Lisa doesn’t know the full details of her friend’s death (allegedly she fell while hiking in a foreign country), but she knows that her friend felt most confident (maybe too confident) in her hiking boots with a pack on. But is it OK for Lisa to still feel good about backpacking solo? Read Lisa's essay at www.she-explores.com/podcast. Thanks to our sponsor, Oru Kayak. Music is by Kai Engel, Evan Schaeffer, Soft & Furious, and Josh Woodward.

Can failure bring out the best in you? We're excited to share one of our favorite outdoor podcasts with you, "Out There Podcast." This week, we chat with host Willow Belden and share her award-winning episode, "High On Failure." Last spring, Jordan Wirfs-Brock attempted one of the toughest trail running races in existence: a 550-miler called Infinitus, which took place in the rugged mountains of Vermont. Jordan wasn't new to ultra running, but this race was more extreme than anything she'd done before. And it broke her: she failed to finish. Curiously, though, the failure didn't leave her feeling defeated. In fact, it turned out to be one of the best things that's ever happened to her. Thanks to our sponsor, Oru Kayak. Learn more at the episode page at www.outtherepodcast.com and She-Explores.com/podcast. Join our facebook group and chat about this episode! Music by MindsEye and Soft & Furious.

What do you do when your life looks great "on paper" but it isn't the life you want? We talk with Shelby Stanger, journalist and host of the podcast "Wild Ideas Worth Living" about what she gained when she left a high paying job 9 years ago to pursue a freelance journalism career. For Shelby, what looked good on paper, a job that looked fantastic in other people’s eyes and that she’d told herself should look great in her own, resulted in a dissonance that lead her to make a big life change. It’s a feeling we can all relate to - that friction in our mind when everything is not as it appears. Shelby is a big personality: she's warm, confident and funny. She loves surfing, diving deep into other people's stories, and teaching - whether its through her work or guiding women to learn how to surf. Learn more about Shelby through our episode page via she-explores.com/podcast. Shelby interviews She Explores Host Gale Straub on "Wild Ideas Worth Living." Check out our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! Music by Mise, Lee Rosevere, Josh Woodward, and Chris Zabriskie. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Falling Up Surf Diva Wild Ideas Worth Living

Crystal Brindle is the park ranger only child of two park rangers. She was born to work for the National Park Service in the United States, so why did she decide to start a career as a biodiversity ranger in New Zealand? After a childhood on the move, Crystal found a home of her own. The Spanish notion of querencia that Crystal describes is core to her story - that indescribable feeling that draws you to a place. Yet, her story is also about growing up, following in her parents footsteps but ultimately gaining independence as she figures out what she wants in a career and a place. And most importantly, it’s about listening to your gut when it tells you to go. Learn more on the episode page via She-Explores.com/podcast. See Crystal's photography on her portfolio site. Sponsored by Oru Kayak Join our Facebook Group for She Explores listeners -> Music by Lee Rosevere, Josh Woodward, and Chris Zabriskie

What's top of mind for women in the outdoor industry right now? We go to the inaugural "Women's Outdoor Summit for Empowerment" in the Presidio Trust of San Francisco with that question in the back of our mind. We find out that "empowerment" is more dynamic than the story we often tell ourselves. Featuring Teresa Baker, Alyssa Ravasio, Kelly Martin, Cicely Muldoon, Jarre Hamilton, Erin Thiem, Kate Mullen, Ava Holliday, Aparna Rajagopal-Durbin, Stephanie Barron, and Andrea Thomas. Learn more on the episode page via She-Explores.com Sponsored by Oru Kayak Links mentioned in this episode: Women's Outdoor Summit for Empowerment High Country News Coverage Sylvia Ann Hewlett Sponsorship Article She Explores Facebook Group She-Explores.com Music by Lee Rosevere and Josh Woodward

We talk with Chloe O’Neill, founder of "More Than Lyme." She’s had Lyme Disease for most of her young life. For Chloe, the vague, intermittent, but often debilitating symptoms of the disease have impacted her life view in both negative and remarkably positive ways. Many of the lessons its taught her are surprisingly universal - whether that's becoming more at ease with gray areas or redefining personal strength. Stay tuned for the end of the episode, there's a sneak peak of our new podcast, "Women on the Road," hosted by Laura Hughes. Subscribe on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Google Play, and wherever you stream stories. Learn more about it in an essay by Laura. Sponsored by Oru Kayak. Music is by Lee Rosevere and Josh Woodward via the freemusicarchive.org. Find out more at She-Explores.com/podcast and www.morethanlyme.org.

Annie Nyborg isn’t an entrepreneur or an extreme athlete or a thru hiker. She’s as passionate about the environment as she is about spending time in the backcountry as she is about being a mother. After years of feeling like the “grass was greener” everywhere but where she was - Annie let go of her expectations and in doing so, found the closest thing possible to the life work she was searching for. Learn more on She-Explores.com/podcast Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music is by Lee Rosevere via freemusicarchive.org

Agnes Vianzon has been working hard. After years of experience with the California Conservation Corps (CCC), Agnes decided to take start her own Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps (ESCC), described as a youth and young adult "development and leadership program committed to building a stronger and more inclusive community... through transformational backcountry experiences." Agnes understands the power of the backcountry because she first immersed in it herself as a 20-something in the CCC. Agnes is laying the groundwork for more than just a nonprofit, she's training and mentoring a new generation to be leaders and environmental stewards. We learn from Agnes about how her life turned out differently than her parents expected, what it's like to start a nonprofit, a bit about the work of Conservation Corps, and why she's so passionate about "Women in the Wilderness," an all-women's backpacking trip for women of color hosted by ESCC. Sponsored by Oru Kayak Links Mentioned in this episode: Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps Shingle Springs Racheria History She Explores Tank Tops Music by Soft and Furious, Tours, Lee Rosevere, and MindsEye CC by A Learn more at She-Explores.com/podcast

Sisters Julie Hotz and Shelly Blacketer grew up together in rural Texas but took very separate paths. Living 1,500 miles away, they decided to train for their first race together: a half-ironman. This episode is kind of about that race, but it's more about two sisters coming together in a novel way. You might remember thru hiker and filmmaker Julie Hotz from our second podcast episode, "On Fear: Human Powered Travel." We talked with Julie about hiking the PNT, PCT, and bike packing from LA to Glacier. She was on the precipice of big life changes: going completely freelance and deciding to call LA home. In some ways, this episode picks up where we left off. Learn about how pain can be integral to growth, the subtle bonds that tie family together, and why it's important to do hard things. Sponsored by Oru Kayak Learn more about this episode on the episode page at www.she-explores.com/podcast Music is by Lee Rosevere

How has your dad shaped your experiences in the outdoors? Prompted by a message from a new father, we asked you to share your stories and received a breadth of responses. We found that our dads have had a profound impact on our relationship with the natural world, even in his absence. Included in this episode are 21 voice memos from women of all ages and backgrounds. It's a big Venn Diagram - some overlap, but each is uniquely her own. Learn more via the episode page at www.she-explores.com/podcast Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music by Lee Rosevere, Kai Engel, Komiku, Mise, PC One, Nihilore, Chris Zabriskie

Bridgette Meinhold is selling landscape artwork to help save her backyard: Bonanza Flats, 1,350 acres of alpine meadows near Park City, Utah. Bridgette, fellow residents and nonprofits have until June 15th to close a $15M gap to help the town secure the land and conserve it. Bridgette's passion for Bonanza Flats comes at a time when public land in the United States is at risk. Currently, twenty-two National Monuments are under review by our Secretary of the Interior. These lands are over 100,000 acres - 10x the size of Bonanza Flats - yet when Bridgette approached us with her city's fundraising effort, it crystallized a reality: work is being done at a local level to protect land. There's a lot we can do on the ground to make a difference when we're feeling frustrated by headlines. Listen to Bridgette's story and get inspired to take a look at your own backyard. Learn more via the episode page at www.she-explores.com/podcast Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music by Lee Rosevere

Striking out on your own means a whole lot of hustling. We interview Sarah Knapp, the founder of OutdoorFest and Mappy Hour about how she got started, how she finds time, and how she's learning to appreciate an accomplishment before moving onto her next goal. After graduating from NYU, Sarah applied to work at a ski resort in Alta, Utah. She wanted to immerse herself in the 'ski bum' lifestyle and surround herself with people who were as into skiing as herself. Sarah found herself at home in the outdoor community, and brought the drive to share that feeling with others back to New York. Learn about how Sarah started OutdoorFest, a 10 day outdoor adventure festival in New York City and Mappy Hour, a growing happy hour for urban outdoorists. The opening story in this podcast was contributed by Sara Aranda, founder of Bivy Tales. Special thanks to Sara for her openness and vulnerability in sharing her experiences with anxiety. To contribute to our Father's Day episode, head over to She-Explores.com/podcast/your-voice to read the prompts and submit your recording. Sponsored by Oru Kayak. The podcast we recommended at the end of the episode is called "Wild Ideas Worth Living." Find out more about She Explores on our website, She-Explores.com, and via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Music is by Soft & Furious, Nihilore, Drake Stafford, and Komiku via Creativecommons.org.

Interview with Shelma Jun, founder of Flash Foxy, the Women's Climbing Festival, and the Never Not Collective. We talk with Shelma about the ripple effect of starting small in a place that she knew: the climbing community. Learn more via www.she-explores.com/podcast Piece in the beginning "Ode to Every Woman Who's Ever Been Called Outdoorsy" by artist Madison Perrins. Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music by Mise, Kai Engel, Lee Rosevere, Chris Zabriskie, and Little Glass Men.

Interview with "Wild and Weightless" founder Kristen Ales. We talk about her personal experiences at a young age with binge eating disorder and anorexia, how she's quieted that voice in her head, and how she's driven to help others with eating disorders through wilderness therapy. Note: This episode mentions eating disorders. And while it's constructive in many ways, depending on your background, this could be triggering. If you are in need of help, call the National Eating Disorder helpline at 1-800-931-2237. Learn more via the episode page: www.she-explores.com/podcast/wild-and-weightless Visit Wild & Weightless site. Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music by MindsEye PC-One Soft and Furious Chris Zabriskie Little Glass Men

On April 20th, we headed to Carbondale, CO for our first adventure film festival. We talked to its founder, Julie Kennedy, and five creative women who find inspiration in its community. We learn about the trends in adventure filmmaking and the importance of seeking out the people and places that motivate you to create. Featuring Julie Kennedy (Founder of 5Point), Anya Miller (Creative Strategist at Duct Tape Then Beer), Haley Thompson (co-director of the film How We Grow), Aisha Weinhold (founder of No Man's Land Film Festival), Sonya Pevzner (blogger behind The Pevzdispenser), and Sarah Uhl (artist and former event director for 5Point). Sponsored by Oru Kayak Learn more via she-explores.com/podcast Music by Mise & Chris Zabriskie

Haley Robison, CEO of the hammock and tent company Kammok, believes in the power of play, type 2 fun, and most importantly: showing up. We interview her about how her twenties took her from being a consultant at Bain to a wilderness guide to getting her masters. Now a CEO at an outdoor startup, Haley shares her insights on breaking into a new industry and finding comfort in the uncomfortable. Learn more at www.she-explores.com/podcast Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music by Lee Rosevere, Soft & Furious, Chris Zabriskie, and Little Glass Men via freemusicarchive.org

We interview Outside Magazine's deputy editor Mary Turner and art & photography director Hannah McCaughey about their women's XX factor issue. It's a special edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Outside Magazine, but it's not the start or end of women's content on Outside. We talk to Mary and Hannah about the changing shape of outdoor content and why the timing was right to "finally" make an all-women's issue. Sponsored by Oru Kayak. Music is by Lee Rosevere, Little Glass Men, & Tours via freemusicarchive.org. Learn more via she-explores.com/podcast

A discussion on the ways spending time outside impacts our mental health. We interview Florence Williams, author of "The Nature Fix" and Sonya Pevzner, who blogs about anxiety and depression as it relates to the outdoors. In addition, we hear from listeners about their experiences with depression and anxiety and the ways you've found healing through outdoor activities as simple as walks in nature and as challenging as canyoneering for the first time. At the end of the show, we also have a mini interview with Jen Gurecki, the founder of Coalition Snow, about her kickstarter. Sponsored by Oru Kayak Learn more via She-Explores.com/podcast Music is by Sro, Kai Engel, MindsEye, RoccoW, and Lee Rosevere via freemusicarchive.org.

Following the blazes and looking up at the clouds. Interview with Rahawa Haile, author of the essay "How Black Books Lit My Way Along the Appalachian Trail" on Buzzfeed. We talk with Rahawa Haile, an Eritrean-American writer living in Oakland, CA, about her northbound thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2016. Rahawa believes that if you have the inclination and the time to do a thru hike, you should hit the trail. As one of the few black women to thru hike in 2016, Rahawa talks about how her experience is different than the "typical" hiker. She also discusses the small beauties she found along the trail: be it snow on a branch or the kindness of the hiking community. Note (!) : There's a factual error at 20:45. Rahawa actually saw at least 10 black people hiking on the Appalachian Trail, not one. This error is on the part of the host's misinterpretation, not Rahawa. Thanks to our sponsor, Oru Kayak. Music is by Broke For Free, MindsEye, Lee Rosevere, Tours, Little Glass Men, & Chris Zabriskie via Free Music Archive. CC by A.

Because it's OK to not have it all figured out. We interview Erin Sullivan, the writer behind "Erin Outdoors" about finding your path (in the outdoors and otherwise) through vulnerability, saying no, and self-awareness. We don't think there's any such thing as a straight path and Erin holds her life up as proof. After years of guiding outdoor, adventure, and travel excursions, Erin starting writing and blogging full time. While the site is named "Erin Outdoors", it's rife with lessons learned because at the heart of Erin's work is helping others. Visit the podcast landing page via she-explores.com/podcast/no-straight-paths Learn more about Erin through her blog, Erin Outdoors. As mentioned in the beginning of the episode, we need your help answering a quick listener survey. It's anonymous and will take you less than five minutes. Thank you so much! Find it here: www.she-explores.com/podcast/listener-survey-2017 Thanks to our sponsor, Oru Kayak.

Our talk with Jerri gave us a lot to think about: 1) How companies on private land can respect and uplift the missions of our public land organizations. 2) How the way you grow up so impacts your relationship with the outdoors. 3) How experience is key to stewardship. And 4) How we all make choices every day when it comes to the footprint we leave on the earth. Jerryne "Jerri" Cole believes experience is key to conservation of public and private land. For Jerri, a lifetime of connection to nature has correlated to a lifetime of stewardship for the natural world. Jerri is a member of the board of Public Lands Alliance and the owner of Camp Denali, for-profit lodging near Denali National Park. Learn about raising kids in the Alaskan interior in the 1970's and maintaining a for-profit model with a "not for profit" mission. Learn on the episode page via www.she-explores.com/podcast Thanks to our sponsor, Oru Kayak. Music is by Ryan Little, Minds Eye, and Chris Zabriskie via freemusicarchive.org.

Learn how you can help protect the outdoors you love by using social media. We interview Katie Boué about how you can use the phone in your pocket to enact real-life change in an ever-changing landscape. Katie Boué cares. She's a resource for people - young and old - across the outdoor industry. Over the past year, she has become the megaphone for using social media as an advocacy tool. A proud Miami native with Cuban, Irish, and Venezualian heritage, Katie made a name for herself as the writer behind her blog, The Morning Fresh, writing with vulnerability about her experiences hiking, climbing, and trying new sports like trail running. More recently, she took the social media reigns at the Outdoor Industry Association, or OIA.There she learned what she already knew - social media is a powerful tool. She’s since gone freelance from her full time role with OIA, but she considers herself a full time advocate for the outdoors. A theme for this episode is what Katie said right off the bat - we’re all in this together. We can all be advocates for conservation and public land. Learn more via She-Explores.com/podcast Thanks to our sponsor, Oru Kayak Music is by Music is by Mindseye & Dr. Rinkel, Halogen, Lee Rosevere, Aenon, Josh Woodward via freemusicarchive.org

Weekend climbing, camping, hiking, and backpacking is not so different from going it "full time." Meet Paulina Dao, the blogger behind "Little Grunts" and an honest advocate for spending time outside. We talk about overcoming insecurities, growing, and finding the activities and issues you're passionate about in the outdoors. Be sure to read Paulina's piece, "Why Don't They Look Like Me?" on the diversity dilemma in outdoor media. Learn more about this episode via www.she-explores.com/podcast Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music by Mise, Chris Zabriskie, Halogen & Lee Rosevere via freemusicarchive.org

Bringing women together in the outdoors. Meet Sasha Cox, founder of Trail Mavens, and Amanda Goad, founder of Wild Women's Project, two very different companies whose missions are built on backcountry bonding. We talk with each founder about the benefits of bringing women outside together, the community that springs from outdoor endeavors, and how much we have to learn from each other. Learn more via the episode page at www.she-explores.com/podcast | Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music by Mise, RoccoW, Keshco, and Fleslit via Freemusicarchive.org CC by SA.

Communication, activism, and reflection. In the second part of our series on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors, we talk with experts to provide practical steps for how organizations AND individuals can cultivate a more inclusive outdoor space. Liz Song of Snowqueen and Scout cohosts with Gale Straub on this special two part series. Featuring Ava Holliday and Aparna Rajagopal-Durbin of The Avarna Group; Elyse Rylander of "Out There Adventures"; Graciela Cabello of "Latino Outdoors" and Miho Aida. Voice memo submissions from Sara Murphy & Monserrat Alvarez. Make sure to listen to part one, "Diversity, Beyond the Buzzword" to fill yourself in on the background of this episode. Learn more on the podcast landing page via www.she-explores.com/podcast. Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, Goal Zero. Music in this episode is by MindsEye, Dr. Rinkel, & Mise. CC by SA

Life lessons learned on the PCT. We interview Kimberly Vawter, who quit her job as a school principal in Los Angeles to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. We've found that a lot of people thru hike because they're looking for an in-between. They want more in their lives but they're not sure what. They need time to think. Just 5 days off the trail, Kim is bursting with lessons learned and she is holding them close and bringing them off the trail and into the "real" world. We highlight them so you can put them into practice own life. Learn more on She-Explores.com/podcast Take the She Explores Podcast Survey. Music is by RoccoW, Mindseye, and Dr. Rinkel CC by SA 4.0

Entrepreneurship, sustainable outdoor gear, and making a difference: a new kind of outdoor retail company. We talk with the women of Wylder Goods, which just launched this week. Featuring Jainee Dial, Lindsey Elliott, and Gina Peters. Starting a business can be challenging, but it helps when there is a lot of heart behind it. We talk with three women who are rethinking outdoor retail with their new company Wylder Goods. Learn more on She-Explores.com/podcast Music is by MindsEye, CC by SA 4.0

The outdoors and diversity, equity, & inclusion. We team up with Liz Song from Snowqueen and Scout to investigate the many barriers that a diverse group of people from enjoying and embracing the outdoors. Thanks to listener Sara Murphy for the push and prompt to go "beyond the buzzword of diversity." This episode features: Aparna Rajagopal-Durbin & Ava Holliday, The Avarna Group co-founders. Graciella Cabello, Latino Outdoors National Director. Miho Aida, "If She Can Do It, You Can Too. Elyse Rylander, Founder of Out There Adventures. And voice memos from: Simone Martin-Newberry, Ambreen Tariq aka @brownpeoplecamping, Lisa Dougherty, Marinel de Jesus, Monserrat Alvarez, Renuka Nagaraj, Rachel Samaniego, and Stephanie Harper. Sponsored by Sierra Club Outdoors. Learn more at http://she-explores.com/podcast

Hope, empowerment, and appreciation. Carrot Quinn, author of "Thru Hiking Will Break Your Heart", teaches us lessons from the trail and reminds us that WE have the power to change the world we live in. Carrot has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail twice and the Continental Divide Trail. Follow Carrot on Instagram via instagram.com/carrotquinn The second in a series of "After the PCT" interviews. Music by MindsEye, Dr Rinkel, Nihilore, and Fles lit Support She Explores via she-explores.com/support Learn more via she-explores.com/podcast

The benefits and challenges to getting outdoors with your kids. We interview Shanti Hodges, founder of "Hike It Baby", as well as Aly Nicklas and Alisa Geiser, cofounders of "Born Wild Project." Featuring voice memo submissions from Lynn Doiron, Stephanie Harper, and Dylann Stubblefield. Learn more about the women featured here via she-explores.com/podcast Sponsored by Goal Zero Music by Nihilore, MindsEye, Mise, and RoccoW.

What moms don't talk about enough: adventuring while pregnant, postpartum, and beyond. For the first part of a two part "Adventuring with Kids" series, we talk with moms about pregnancy and getting outside with (and without) young kids. There are a lot of stories out there about what motherhood does to our free time, our bodies, and our outdoor lives. Let's write our own. Interviews with Brittany Aae of Magneticnorth.us and Justine Nobbe, co-founder of "Adventure Mamas." Featuring voice submissions from listeners: Laura Stasi, Elizabeth Bauer of "Backroadfamily.com" and Heather Hopkins. Cameo appearance by Liz Song of Snowqueen and Scout. Part two will cover the benefits of adventuring with kids - at ages 0 - 5 and as they grow older. Sponsored by Goal Zero: www.goalzero.com Music by Mindseye, Nihilore, and Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.com Learn more at she-explores.com/podcast

Injury, community, and gratitude. We interview Karen Wang two weeks after she left the Pacific Crest Trail just shy of Crater Lake in Oregon. There's a lot out there about what it's like to hike a famous thru-hike, but what is it like when you get home? How do you deal if life throws you an injury? How do you assimilate to city life after months in the wilderness? Karen Wang is the first of three interviews that focus on life "After the PCT." Visit the episode page at www.she-explores.com/podcast/after-the-pct/karen-wang See Karen's photography via www.karenkwang.com. Find out how to support She Explores via she-explores.com/support Music by Mise, Nihilore, and MindsEye.

This episode is about going it alone in the outdoors. As women, we're often advised to exercise extra caution when we go solo. We wanted to create an episode that is motivating to other women to get out there on our own, whether it's hiking, camping, or backpacking. With the help of listener stories and advice, we hope you might be encouraged to plan your next solo excursion. Music by Nihilore and Steve Combs. Learn more via she-explores.com/podcast/alone-on-the-trail Donate via she-explores.com/support

Profiling women who work or who have worked for the National Park and US Forest Service. We've always been curious about what it's like to work for the agencies - we hear about real women's experiences and find out that there is no ONE experience. Learn more on She-Explores.com. Support the podcast with your donation via she-explores.com/support. Music by Jahzaar, Mise, Steve Combs, and MindsEye.

The best part about the internet? Real communities and businesses are built there. It's one place that movements can be made visible. While the "outdoors" and "online" can seem like an oxymoron, social media and other online platforms have enabled women to ignite change within the outdoor space. Even in the wilderness, we are never too far from technology. And while that can be a negative thing, this episode explores the positives that spring from women outdoors, online. We talk with Heather Balogh Rochfort aka "Just A Colorado Gal"; Nicole Brown, co-founder of @WomenWhoHike; Deanne Buck, executive director of Camber Outdoors; and hear from Summer Michaud-Skog of "Fat Girls Hiking", Zoe Balaconis of "Misadventures Magazine", Hatie Parameter of "Whoa Mag", and Jainee Dial, cofounder of "Wylder Goods". Learn more via www.she-explores.com/podcast Sponsored by Oru Kayak Music by Nihilore and MindsEye

Creativity is a big part of #vanlife. Many of the women on the road we've featured are photographers, writers, filmmakers, and visual artists. One reason for this is that a road trip is incredibly invigorating for the mind - it leads us to create wonderful work. It's also because if you make a living as a creative, it often means you can work from anywhere.In Episode 5 below, we interview Alison Turner and Amanda Sandlin. They're two very different women in different stages in their "van lives" as well as their creative careers. Alison has lived in and out of a van for the past 5 years, and traveled in a teardrop trailer and tent before that. She picked up photography 7 years ago and has been pursuing it since. We learn that there are many reasons Alison loves to escape in her van with her rescue dog Max. Amanda is relatively new to her life in her built-out minivan. She's been on the road three months and is learning how to maintain her creative practice on the move. She's found that it hasn't been easy, but she's enjoyed pushing herself and meeting new people.Learn more in their interviews! Sponsored by Peak Design. Music is by Portrayal and Nihilore. CC by A

What is the backstory of She-Explores.com? Host Gale Straub explains why she started She Explores with the help of some contributors, including: Emily King, Liz Song, Nikki Frumkin, Erin Sullivan, Korrin Bishop, Vivian Chen, Madeleine Boga, Stevie Lewis, Tricia Pickren, Ching Fu, Bee Roper, Kat Carney, and Elizabeth Kane. Music is by MindsEye and Chris Zabriskie. Sponsored by Outdoor Research

We compiled listener submitted voice memos that describe how the outdoors make them feel. Some adjectives used include: inspired, energetic, connected, healed, calm... The list goes on. Thanks to Alyssa Hands, Hallie Rose Taylor, Laura Hughes, Kathleen Morton, Miranda Morehouse, Jackie Currie, Abigail Scott, Delicia Long, Kristin H, Ryan Scavo, Addy Polet, Stepfanie Aguilar, Kelsey Suemnicht, Rachel Spruston, and Lucie Fra. Music by Alyssa Hands, Portrayal, and MindsEye. Thanks to our sponsor, Peak Design. Check out their kickstarter at peakdesign.com/ks

Interview with adventure writer Hilary Oliver about her short film, "Being Here." We talk about her motivation to create the film, how she felt about sharing it with the world, and how she sees adventure films changing for the better. We also include listener voice memos about how the outdoors make them feel.

Interview with Julie Hotz, a videographer and photographer in favor of human-powered travel. She bike-packed from Los Angeles, CA to Glacier National Park and then hiked the Pacific Northwest Trail to the Pacific Ocean. We talked about how we grow when we take on challenges that we're a little afraid of.