In the last episode of She Explores, the hosts reflect on the challenges of running the podcast and invite past guests to share their lessons from the outdoors. They discuss self-discovery, embracing adventure, and the importance of being fully present in nature. The chapter also explores reflections on productivity culture, rediscovering play, and embracing slow living and curiosity.
Embracing curiosity allows for personal growth and deeper connections in outdoor exploration.
The decision to end the podcast highlights the need for more time, care, and resources to maintain a flourishing digital media platform.
Deep dives
Transitioning to a New Chapter
The podcast host, Gail Strawb, discusses the decision to end She Explores after seven years due to the challenges of maintaining a podcast and digital media platform. She reflects on the growth and success of the show, thanks her partners, and acknowledges the need to have more hands, time, and care to keep it flourishing.
Lessons Learned from Outdoor Experiences
Various past guests share lessons they've learned from their outdoor experiences. Jamie Shearer talks about believing in herself and her abilities while running in the backcountry. Shout emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and setting one's own pace while hiking. Grechen Powers learns the value of fueling her body during endurance activities. Hirany D'Avejasinger finds solace and healing in the unhurriedness and curiosity of being with nature. Tori Duhame discovers the joy of finding play and community in outdoor activities. Haley Hearst appreciates the depth and value of slowness while tending to her children and garden. Noelle Russell encourages embracing curiosity as a constant, leading to more exciting and hopeful experiences in nature.
The Power of Curiosity
The podcast host and guests emphasize the power of curiosity in exploring the outdoors and in life. Curiosity allows for growth, deeper connections, and the ability to embrace challenges with open-mindedness. It is seen as an essential aspect of personal and collective exploration and a catalyst for positive change.
Reflecting on a Meaningful Journey
The host expresses gratitude to the She Explores community and reflects on the impact the show has had on her life and the lives of listeners. She shares a personal story of finding a small glass stone as a reminder to slow down and get curious, comparing it to the lasting impact of the show and the memories it has created.
This is the last episode of She Explores. In it, we say farewell, reflect on endings, and invite past guests of the show to share the lessons they’ve learned in the outdoors over the last few years. Through these women’s stories, we’re reminded how important it is to have the space we need to show up as ourselves when we’re spending time outside.
Thank you to everyone who has touched the show over the years: the listeners, our guests, our collaborators, and our advertisers. It’s been an honor to hold your stories.
READ THIS BLOG POST if you want to learn more about our decision, and what the team is up to next.
Featured in this episode: Jaymie Shearer, Shon’t, Hiranya de Alwis Jayasinghe, Sydney Williams, Gabaccia, Gretchen Powers, Noël Russell, Hailey Hirst, Tori Duhaime.